MANITOWOC, Wis.- Lieutenant Terri Olson spends Friday setting up the Toy Store for needy families in Manitowoc County.
"A lot of our tables are empty still," said Lt. Olson with the Manitowoc County Salvation Army.
More than 1,300 kids will come looking for a toy in just a few weeks, possibly the only toy they'll get for Christmas,
"Need is continually going up and if that need is continually going up the demand goes up as well," said Salvation Army business development director, Kyle Bryntesen.
However, families will be getting less this year than in the past.
"Due to our financial situation we're not able to give gift cards for their meat," said Lt. Olson.
There will also be no food baskets, which for many families was their Christmas meal, but Lt. Olson is trying to meet the need.
"We will offer to the families whatever comes in, for instance apple cider or maybe potatoes," said Lt. Olson.
Today a donation of $10,000, a tremendous help but more is needed so they're asking you to donate to the red kettles.
"Funding that we receive to the kettles funds all of our programs throughout the year," said Bryntesen.
The Lieutenant says they're in need of lots of toys, especially for children ages 8-10. They also need volunteers and bell ringers. The Toy Store opens December 14-17.
