PIKE COUNTY, Mo. — Penny Dixon, Pike County Service Coordinator at the not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC), and her dog, Cuda, ring for the Salvation Army Christmas kettle campaign Christmas Eve outside the Bowling Green Walmart.

Donations by the public to the bucket blitz from Nov. 26 through Dec. 24 surpassed the $5,000 goal by almost $600. Additional contributions may be forthcoming. Eighty-five percent of the money will stay in Pike County to help disadvantaged people. Dixon offered a big “thank you “to all who donated and participated.