Shoals organization lending a hand for the holidays

November 1, 2013 at 9:22 PM CDT - Updated July 21 at 6:25 AM

FLORENCE, AL (WAFF) - There are a lot of people in need as the holidays approach and a local organization in the Shoals is helping out as much as possible.

The Salvation Army in the Shoals says they've seen an increase in families this year in need of help and they're expecting even more as the holidays approach. Hundreds of people from the Colbert, Franklin, and Lauderdale County area registered this week in Florence by submitting their wish lists in hopes of someone helping them this holiday season. They are expecting more as Friday is the last day to sign up for assistance from their Angel Tree program.

Major Gene Wilson said, “There's such a variety of reasons for people having needs. Some people have medical issues, individuals who've gone from full-time to part-time work, and individuals who maybe have gone through family crisis. It seems like people are having real emergency types of situations and we certainly encourage people to participate in our Christmas assistance and Angel Tree programs.”

The angels will be available for those wanting to help within the weeks leading up to the holidays. Last year the Salvation Army in the Shoals helped more than 2,000 people.

Copyright 2013 WAFF. All rights reserved.