COLUMBIA (WACH) -- The Midlands Salvation Army needs your help this Christmas.
Organizers with the Christmas program say about 400 family boxes still need to be filled with gifts and that requests for assistance has been up 30 percent from last year.
Workers say the unstable economy and loss of jobs have contributed to the increase for the need.
“We saw several numbers of families that this is the first time that they've ever turned to the Salvation Army for Christmas assistance and not only are they going to receive this Christmas toy basket, but if they are in need we'll also be providing a food box as well,” says Major Roger Coulson.
The application progress for the toys closed a few weeks ago.
The Midlands Salvation Army says they are in desperate need of unwrapped toys for children between 6-9 years old.
Those families who applied were given appointments and started to collect their boxes this week.
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