By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The need for help this Christmas is greater than it has been before, according to Major Paul James with the Salvation Army in Hutchinson.
"This year we're serving 780 families with food," James said. "This is up from last year. Really, there's a lot of larger families and first time request families that are coming to us this year. That also means we're serving 1098 children with toys. This is up from last year when we were serving just under 600 families."
The Salvation Army is running behind in its kettle drive, as well.
"Last year, we were about $30,000 ahead of where we are right now," James said. "It's a little nerve wracking. I think we can still make it."
Eagle Radio employees will be out in front of the Sleep Shoppe and Furniture Gallery ringing for the Salvation Army from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, with members of the morning Kiwanis club out in front of the Toy Depot. You can go to either of those locations to donate, or donate in the Salvation Army virtual kettle here.