Local charities have already been busy and officials say more help will be needed to serve everyone who needs help this season.

At the Salvation Army’s annual Angel Tree Christmas Drive, 93 underprivileged children are registered in the program that provides toys, but only 29 have been adopted.

“There are children out there who still need the community’s support,” said Lt. Serena Woods of the Salvation Army. “We still have lots of kids on the tree, and families can come and pick out toys for those children.”

The last day to adopt a child is Dec. 10. “We begin wrapping presents December 12th and begin distributing them by December 16th, so please don’t wait,” Wood said.

Gifts for Grub, an annual holiday fund-raising meal organized by the Haines Uglys, helps boost Salvation Army efforts. The Uglys turn over all donated cash and children’s gifts donated to the Salvation Army for distribution. Meal customers can either pay cash for their meal or donate a child’s gift of their choice.

“This year is our 21st year doing it, we’re pretty proud of that, but it’s the community that makes it come together,” said Chuck Mitman, who helps manage the event. This year’s menu includes pulled-pork sandwiches, Asian salad, deviled eggs and homemade cookies. It starts at 4:45 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion Hall.

The Salvation Army’s food drive also is ongoing. Residents can donate non-perishable items in designated boxes at Howsers IGA. The donations will be packed into Christmas boxes and delivered to families in need. To receive a box, register with the Salvation Army by Dec. 14.

The church’s Thanksgiving Ministries Meal Drive dished up about 100 in-house meals and as many to-go meals, Woods said. “It was a lot of fun, and we had a lot of people who showed up to volunteer, which was awesome.”

Presbyterian Church pastor Dan Perreard was among those helping out. “We had great cooperation from the school. We’re able to cook up the meals with the help of Lisa Flory, who previously worked at the school, then drove them to families in town. It was a lot of fun.”

The Salvation Army also is still seeking volunteer bell-ringers for its annual Christmas Red Kettle Drive, Woods said. “We are asking for residents to come out and support the Haines community with their donations.”

Reach the Salvation Army at 907-766-2470.