Salvation Army workers and volunteers are scratching their heads this year wondering if the supply of toys and gifts, nonperishable food items and gently used clothing is going to be enough to meet the demand.

“Times are tough and we’ve received more requests for help from families this year than ever,” said Captain Bobby Sams, director of Salvation Army in Morgan, Limestone and Lawrence Counties.

Each fall the organization accepts requests from impoverished families who don’t have the means to purchase Christmas toys and gifts for their children. This year, requests for help were received from 350 families in Morgan County, or about 50 to 60 more than in the previous year.

“What it means is we’re asking Morgan County residents with generous hearts to take one or more of the 1,000 ornaments from one of our Christmas Angel Trees and purchase a gift for the child whose name, age and gift suggestions can be found inside.” Sams stated.

The age cutoff for Angel Tree gifts is 12.

The toys and a basket of food (including cooking oil and macaroni and cheese) for Morgan County families will be distributed from the Salvation Army headquarters in Decatur on Dec. 23.

The Salvation Army is still looking for volunteers to ring red kettle bells from now until Christmas Eve,” according to Carol Brazier. Christmas coordinator.

“We’ve had very little response from prospective bell ringers in the Hartselle area,” said Brazier, “and we need ringers for both Kroger and Wal-Mart stores. “Anyone 18 or older may volunteer and we ask that each volunteer commit to ring for at least four hours.”

The red kettles are scheduled to be in operation in Hartselle, Decatur, Athens and Moulton on Fri., Nov. 25, and continue through Christmas Eve, except on Sundays.

“We target church groups, scouts, civic clubs and other community organizations for volunteers,” Brazier stated, “but anyone who wants to help out is encouraged to give it a try.” To volunteer, contact Brazier at 256-353-2822.