Thanksgiving is just days away, but thousands of local families already have their minds on Christmas, and if they'll be able to put food on the table, or presents under the tree. For anyone who needs a little extra boost this season, Monday is the final day to register for the Salvation Army's Christmas Cheer assistance. If the earlier registration is any indication, they could be seeing record crowds.

The phones at the Salvation Army have been ringing off the hook with people wanting to know, can we have one more day to sign up for Christmas cheer?

"They were panicking, some people thought they could weather the storm and not need assistance but you know, as it gets closer to the holidays, they realized they did need help and were calling for that help, and we're going to help them,"
Jacquie Williams, Salvation Army Resource and Media Specialist said.

In the first 6 days, the Salvation Army received 2,306 applications. Sadly, these high numbers come as no surprise. And with more than a million Floridians out of work, they're seeing a rise in repeat applicants from previous years.

"The number we're more concerned about is first time people coming to the Salvation Army, who've never sought the assistance of Salvation Army or agencies like the Salvation Army before," said Maj. Art Penhale. "So far, almost 50% of them are first-time applicants."

If you're planning on signing up Monday, there are a few things you'll need to bring. Applications will not be taken without the items:

1. Adults:
a. Valid Florida driver's license or Lee County picture ID
b. Social Security card

2. Children:
a. Social Security cards or
b. Birth certificates for each child.

3. Proof of:
a. Income
b. Benefits

"The parents, they just want to see that smile on the kid's face for Christmas and that one toy is all it takes," Williams said.

Registration starts Monday morning at 9 a.m. and runs until noon at the Salvation Army offices at 10291 McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers.