FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

DULUTH - It may not quite be December yet, but toys are already rolling in to the Salvation Army.

"People are coming through. We've already got 22 households with 4,200 people and 2,200 of those are children. So, we are going to need lots of toys," said Nancy Leslie, emergency services coordinator for the Salvation Army of Duluth.

The Salvation Army is just one of a number of area non–profits that are looking for donations, to ensure every child has a Christmas to remember.

"People think that because you're 16 years old you should be able to understand that mom and dad can't buy Christmas presents. You're still a child," said Leslie.

If buying a toy is not your thing, there are plenty of other ways to help out this holiday season.

Leslie said, "We still have thousands of hours with kettles that are unmanned so if we don't man those kettles there will be no money in the kettles."

"Individuals who may not have that opportunity in their workplace can definitely give online through mail, we do send mailings out or stop in at the office," said Bekki Babineau, campaign director for the United Way of Greater Duluth.

While the holidays bring about the spirit of giving, the season can also be a prime time for scammers.

"Phone calls can kind of set off warning bells, if the caller is claiming to be with a charity and is very pressuring or makes you feel guilty. Right away you should have some misgivings," said Dan Hendrickson, communications coordinator of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Minnesota and North Dakota.

The BBB says to always make sure you know who's getting your donation and that your information is protected.

Once everything checks out, feel free to give, because you just never know if someday that could be you.

"One in four people in Duluth have been touched by one of our 30 agencies or programs and there's a need," said Babineau.

The Salvation Army is taking Christmas toy applications through the end of the week.

They will also have drop boxes set–up throughout the city for those donating toys starting next week.