By Lorri Helfand, Times Staff Writer
Monday, December 20, 2010
CLEARWATER — The Salvation Army of North Pinellas County doled out thousands of gifts and hundreds of meals Monday as part of a two-day effort to help 3,500 struggling families have a happier holiday.
In all, the Army's Christmas JOY Center at 1521 E. Druid plans to distribute 15,000 new toys over the next two days.
There was a 20 percent increase in applicants this year, but so far, donations are down about 20 percent, said North County Salvation Army Capt. Zach Bell.
"I just see it as an opportunity for the community to step up," Bell said. "The fact is we need more help than ever before."
To help meet the growing need, St. Luke's Cataract & Eye Institute has pledged to match North Pinellas holiday donations up to $75,000.
Amy Jackson, who has six children ...