Missourians then ever are taking advantage of services from the Salvation Army. With only three weeks to go, the Salvation Army is only at 40 percent of their goal.  

But spokesman Kendall Mathews said he’s encouraged by donations so far and says he thinks they’ll reach 100 percent by Christmas because donors understand the need.  

"More people are coming to us," he said. "I was just at the shelter this morning had a full room of people in our social services there to get food there to get help with their utilities." 

The Red Kettle Campaign is not the only option for Missourians who want to help. There are several families who still need Christmas Assistance, said Salvation Army Captain Terry Selvage.   

"We have the angel trees out at various locations here in the community," he said. "Presently we have about 500 tags still left on the trees. With two weeks to go until we start getting everything ready. We need those tags taken and gifts purchased. I’m asking the community to step forward and do that." 

For information on volunteering click here.  

download or listen to Aurora Meyer’s story here.