Salvation Army accepting Toy Shop applications

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Thanksgiving is three weeks away but the Salvation Army is thinking Christmas. The organization has started accepting applications for its annual Toy Shop.

Jeff Stanger with the Salvation Army said 100 applications were accepted on the first day compared to last year when 40 families signed up on day one.

"The economy hasn't really recovered to maybe the extent that folks would like or that maybe we're hearing on the news. So the need is out there and we have our work cut out for us," said Stanger.

Last year, hundreds of families were able to pick out toys for their children. The toys are collected throughout the weeks leading up to the toy shop. Your donations at designated drop-off sites and during our annual collection before a December Colts game helps area families.

"We had a lot of toys donated last year. We had a lot of cash donated so kids can buy toys and that always helps out with the older kids because we tend to get less toys for them," said Stanger.

Early numbers show the need is greater. Stanger explained 974 families benefitted last year that's up from the 620 families that got new toys in 2007.

"It is a concern and we don't like to put a cap on them and it might be something we have to address and over the next few days we'll see how those numbers tally up. We'll have to make that decision. I hope we're able to help as many families as we possibly can," Stanger said.

If you're in need of help this Christmas and would like to apply for the Toy Shop, visit their web site . There you will find information on application requirements and locations. It must be done in person.