COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- For some Southwest Floridians, knowing the holidays are just around the corner brings the added pressure to provide gifts for their kids. Some people just don't have the money with the economy hitting them especially hard. The Salvation Army is working to help in Collier County.

Some people were waiting hours to hand in an application for assistance Monday morning. The families were all there for the same reason: they need help to buy holiday gifts for their families.

The Salvation Army of Collier County hopes to serve 1,500 families, some who've been in the line before. Others never dreamt they'd be in this situation.

"Never never never. It's scary because if it's this year, what happens next year?" Amanda Shockely asked.

Shockley is applying for help with presents for the first time in her life. She says she went back to school and then her husband lost his job, but their two kids still need something under the tree.

It's a story the Salvation Army hears time and again, and the agency is doing its best to help as many as possible.

This year the Salvation Army is going electronic to speed up applications and collaborate with other local charities.

"...so people don't take advantage of the system and get three sets of Christmas gifts, and people who need help don't get turned away," said Lt. Michael Missey of the Salvation Army.