It's a supply and demand nightmare for area charities. Demand for services is way up at a time donations are understandably decreasing.

The Salvation Army is always swamped this time of year with needy families applying for food and toys for Christmas. The last three years the St. Louis Area Salvation Army average about 6,700 applications. This year, they say that number's approaching 10,000.

Despite that daunting number, they believe they will still be able to meet the communities needs as 2008 winds down. But 2009 is another story. Maintaining the level of service next year for year-round needs is very much a question mark.

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