LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Lima Salvation Army officials are scratching their heads, wondering where the people are.

Lima Salvation Army concerned about low turnout for Christmas assistance sign-ups

October 1 was the start of the Christmas assistance sign-up, and the numbers are way down.

October 1 was the start of the Christmas assistance sign-up, and the numbers are way down. Where there are traditionally long lines, there were none. Only 161 families signed up Tuesday, and this is a concern as, on average, they assist 500 to 700 families and up to 1,700 children during the holidays.

Lima Salvation Army concerned about low turnout for Christmas assistance sign-ups

Only 161 families signed up Tuesday, and this is a concern as, on average, they assist 500 to 700 families.

"Those numbers don't change very much. And so to have this slow in come right now of people coming in to get an application just worries us a little bit. We want to make sure that we help everybody we need to help. So, that's really the important issue and why we need people to come out," stated Paul Downing, operations manager.

Lima Salvation Army concerned about low turnout for Christmas assistance sign-ups

Online sign-up continues through Sunday, October 6, 2024 at www.saangeltree.org.

Downing encourages anyone falling on difficult times to use their assistance. You can sign up in person on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lima Salvation Army at 614 East Market Street. Online sign-up continues through Sunday, October 6, 2024 at www.saangeltree.org.

Copyright 2024 by Lima Communications Corporation. All rights reserved.