Helping those in need
for the holiday

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - It is a big day for two organizations that work to help the needy during the holiday season and throughout the year.

Thursday is Gleaners' open house, a day where people can come and take a tour of the food bank and drop off some holiday food.

Then at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, the celebration for the Salvation Army's Tree of Lights begins.

This year's goal is $2.75 million. The Salvation Army who says donations are down this year due to the economy and because of the economy they kept their goal the same as last year.

"We're just being realistic. We don't want to go to our donors who maybe struggling with tough economic times and we need to be sensitive to that and understand that we're all in this together," said Jeff Stanger, Salvation Army.

Most of the money that the Salvation Army raises every year comes from the Tree of Lights campaign.

"That's going to programs like domestic violence, drug and alcohol rehab, our women's children's homeless shelter," said Stanger.

Programs that help people like MiMi Lyle.

"I was in a domestic violence situation and I needed to vacate as soon as possible with my four children," said Lyle.

She turned to the Salvation Army who provided Lyle and her young children with shelter, food and clothes.

"It's helped our family so much, I appreciate those that came in and gave us clothes," said Lyle.

Now back on her feet, Lyle plans to move out next week, but it wouldn't have been possible if it were not for the people who donate.

"If it hadn't been for them, I don't know where we would be between now and then," said Lyle.

WISH-TV's very own Eric Halvorson along with Mayor Greg Ballard will help kick off the event.