Next time you walk by a ringing bell keep in mind that a small donation goes a long way.

“Feeding those red kettles helps feed these families,” explains Liz Kurtz from the Salvation Army; It feeds families like Nicole and Shawn Smith. They have three kids and one more on the way.

The Smiths applied for assistance with the Salvation Army’s Christmas program on Thursday morning. It’s the first time they’ve asked for help and know they aren’t alone.

“I'll encourage more people to donate,” said Nicole. “Just not only for my family but everybody.”

The Salvation Army is taking applications to help out this Christmas. One-thousand-eight-hundred families are expected to be "adopted" and will receive toys and a full bundle of food.

“It’s holiday meals that everybody can share together. We want the whole family to be in one place,” says Kurtz.

It’s that generosity that Aubrey Campbell counts on every year.

She says, “Me and my family, we have financial problems and I will be needing extra help. Whatever they give us, I’d be appreciating it a lot.”

She walked across town to apply for help with her granddaughter in tow and five kids on her mind.

“I was just hoping to get here by 12:30 and get some assistance because I can't get it [anywhere] else,” she explains while trying to make it to the center on time.

The Salvation Army is still taking applications for assistance on Friday, Monday and Tuesday. The temporary application site is at the Family Dollar at 234 South Chapin Street in South Bend off Western Avenue.

The hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m..

Applicants need to bring a picture ID, social security card, birth certificate, proof of income and proof of address.

For more information call the Salvation Army at (574) 233-9471, extension 2206.