Last year, the Salvation Army helped 700 families in need. This year, it needs to help 1,200 families, but incoming donations are down.

Capt. Michael Rodgers with the Salvation Army said there are 3,000 kids in need in the area this year.

“We have had a large increase in need this year. There were 500 more applications than we had last year. No more applications are being taken, but we did take a few that were emergencies after the first week of November,” Rodgers said.

One of the problems facing the Salvation Army this year is the lack of volunteer bell ringers.

“One of our major concerns is that we have very few volunteer groups to ring the bells this year. Not many people know that we need groups to volunteer,” Rodgers said. “Most of the bell ringers this year are paid, so we have to only work them during peak hours.”

Rodgers said Lula Smith, who rings the bell at the red kettle in front of Lowes Foods, is a shining star for the organization. She has been bell ringing for the past five years — the past four in front of Lowes Foods.

Standing in the welcome warmth of the sun Wednesday afternoon, Smith said donations have been down this week. She said she got a lot of donations around Thanksgiving, but donations have slowed since then.

“I really enjoy doing this. I love to see the little kids ring the bell. They always turn it over to see what’s making the sound,” Smith said.

Donations to the Salvation Army provide Christmas dinners, clothing and toys for families in need. Financial assistance also helps with basic necessities, along with seasonal aid.

In addition to donations of money, the Salvation Army still needs help from the community with its Angel Tree program. The deadline for gifts for the Angel Trees is this Friday, but Rodgers’ wife, Capt. Susan Rodgers, said packages would be accepted until Monday. She said there are some trees out there that aren’t affiliated with the Salvation Army. Salvation Army trees are clearly marked and are located at Wal-Mart, Kmart, the Mount Airy Post Office, Reeves Community Center and the McDonald’s on U.S. 52 North.

The instructions are on the angel tree, and on the tag.

“You get a tag off the tree, buy a gift, then bring that new, unwrapped gift to the Salvation Army. We put their clothing sizes and shoes sizes and a dream request. Most people are buying an outfit or shoes,” she said.

Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Worship Center and Administrative Office at 651 S. South St., or by the Christmas Center that is beside the Movie Gallery behind the McDonald’s on Renfro Street by Monday.

“We really need them (the Angel Tree gifts) by the 12th. We have purchased toys to subsidize for the children that don’t get picked. But, the toys we give to those children who didn’t get picked won’t necessarily be what the child, boy or girl, wanted,” she said.

Donations will be accepted at the Salvation Army from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the week. The Christmas Center is open from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Christmas Center will be open this Saturday.

The Salvation Army also gives out coats to those in need this time of year. Rodgers said anyone in need can also come to the Christmas Center and get a coat.

“We have had a wonderful response with donations for coats. We just need them to bring a picture ID on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to the Christmas Center,” she said.

Frances Hill and Connie Glidewell have been volunteering to help the Salvation Army during Christmas for the past 10 years. Hill is a member of the Salvation Army Church and is passionate about helping the community every year.

Hill and Glidewell volunteered at the Christmas Store Wednesday afternoon. Hill said during her years of volunteer work, this is the worst year she has seen.

“This year, there have been so many who have lost their jobs. It’s so sad. There are a lot of need in the community,” Hill said.

The Salvation Army’s food pantry is doing well this year because of donations coming in from Lowes Foods’ Friends Feeding Friends program, Susan Rodgers said.

“We welcome any and all volunteers and donations,” she said. “We can use all the help we can get.”

“The Salvation Army endeavors to bring spiritual light and love to those it serves at Christmas so that the real meaning of the season is not forgotten,” according to the charity’s Web site.

Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.