GLADSTONE -- The Salvation Army took advantage of the 4th of July parade in Gladstone Sunday morning.  They had close to 50 representatives at the parade collecting non-perishable food items for the needy.

The event was a success.  The Salvation Army picked up close to 200 pounds of food that was later delivered to their Escanaba location. 

The food that was collected will later be boxed and given to families in need.

Salvation Army leaders want to remind the public there is a need for donations all year, especially during a down economy.

"It's not just in the winter time or Thanksgiving time, it's also in the middle of the summer that all of these families are having a hard time making ends meet, and if we can just give them a box of food or something to help them through until the next paycheck, that's wonderful.  That's what we're here for, and we enjoy that," says Tammy Bigelow of the Salvation Army.

Salvation Army representatives say they will be back at the parade next year after their success at the parade Sunday morning.