Families register for holiday help

The line snaked out the door at the Salvation Army in Neenah with people waiting to sign up for holiday assistance. As many as 1000 families registered to receive help from "Adopt-a-family," a program that gives out food baskets and toys to those in need.

"Just helps out the people in the community, people donate stuff and helps the kids that don't get a whole lot for Christmas," said Michael Baker of Appleton.

The line appeared to be longer this year, as there is more demand for help in the area.

"We're looking at about 2200 families this year, maybe a little bit more than that, a little bit higher than it was last year," said Pat Leigl of the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army said people were lined up since three in the morning. With the unemployment rate in the Fox Valley hovering around 7.4 percent, the Salvation Army is preparing to serve more families.

“Once the economy really started going down, the need was still there for the Christmas program,” said Leigl. “We had more families adopted last year than we ever did.”

“I'm sure with so many people laid off from their jobs that they do appreciate the help that the Salvation Army is giving them," said Howie Biggs, a volunteer from Greenville.

Families that are adopted during the season receive gifts like food, toys, clothes, and gift cards. Those signing up said they are thankful for the help they get and believe the community is gracious to those in need.

"I've been here four months and it's been pretty giving," said Baker.

With the tough economy, the people that weathered the long line say the reward come Christmas will be worth the wait.

“They help out any way they can," said Baker.