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Nov 25, 2009 5:43 pm US/Central
More Families Turning To Salvation Army For Help
(WCCO)
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Since Nov. 9, an average of 709 families per day have registered for assistance. That's up from 308 families per day last year.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images/AP
The number of families turning to the Salvation Army for help this holiday season is up 130 percent. The group is overwhelmed, and that has many asking, "What can I do to help?"
"Last year we helped 11,000 families. We've already registered 9,000 families and we have almost two weeks of registration to go," said Major Darryl Leedom, from the Salvation Army.
The calls for help this holiday season are on the rise.
"We anticipated an increase based upon current services, but we were not prepared for 130 percent increase or demand of services for this holiday season," said Leedom.
Since Nov. 9, an average of 709 families per day have registered for assistance. That's up from 308 families per day last year.
Now the Salvation Army is in need of volunteers to man the phones and little red kettles -- every penny counts when Twin Cities families are in need.
"We are going to need a greater amount of help. People can volunteer as a volunteer bell ringer to help generate some dollars that will allow the salvation army ... provide toys and food vouchers for families in need," said Leedom.
Volunteers like Donna Wheaton said they too have noticed what they call a panic in the voices of many who call for help.
"A lot of parents are not able, because they are not working, to even provide the toys for their kids," said Wheaton. "They are calling with all types of stories ... its heart pulling, it pulls at your heart strings, but we do what we can."
Registered families get toys and grocery gift cards at Salvation Army Toy Shops in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Burnsville and Roseville.
Families have until Dec. 10 to register for assistance.
You can call and register for assistance or log on to the
Salvation Army's Web site.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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