BOISE -- The sound of Salvation Army bells ringing is about as synonymous with Christmas as candy canes and Santa Claus.
For 122 years, the Salvation Army has been serving the greater Boise area. Their goal every year is to see that no family goes without during the holidays.
"The need is greater and yet it seems there are fewer people that have the extra to give. So people who normally give are needing to dig deeper into their pockets," said Captain Candy Stennett with The Salvation Army.
Even the current room full of toys won't meet the demand.
More than 6,2000 children in almost 3,000 families are asking for help -- almost triple the amount from two years ago.
"We want every family throughout the Treasure Valley to feel a sense of dignity in that the parents can provide the food, clothing, and toys for their children than they would for any other circumstances," said Stennett.
Toys have been donated through the "Stuff the Bus" campaign -- more is needed and so is food.
"We're counting on the community to provide the food items to go in the food boxes. And we really enjoy providing an entire holiday meal for families," said Stennett. "So the things that a lot of us take for granted, like cranberry sauce and cream of mushroom soup, along with the turkeys and the stuffing, we all need those."
Little things that can make a big difference for families this Christmas season and hopefully no one will be turned away.
"We'll be so glad to say thank you for whatever they want to give," said Stennett.
You can help donate to The Salvation Army during our KTVB Cares Day on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 8 a.m. to noon.
There are three locations in which you can bring cash donations and food.
They are the KTVB studio on Fairview Avenue in Boise, the Idaho Center in Nampa, and at the Fred Meyer in Twin Falls.
