Thousands of people signed up for the annual Christmas Bureau Registration, organized by the Salvation Army to give families food and presents this holiday season. They will serve about 3,000 people this year. As our Katie Gibas reports, there's been an increasing need every year.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- For kids, there's nothing like Christmas, and for parents, there's nothing like seeing their kids' faces light up when they open their gifts.

"You wouldn't believe the faces of the kids who walk in there with their families and see the good will. It really makes you feel good," said Lt. Bob Heron, the Firefighter Donation Drive Coordinator.

That's why Lieutenant Bob Heron and many other Syracuse firefighters partner with the Salvation Army for the annual Christmas Bureau Distribution, both volunteering and collecting donations. The annual effort, in addition to food baskets, provides toys, books and other gifts to families in need to give their children.

"We know the holidays are stressful when you don't have what you feel like you need, especially when everything around you says when you have more, you'll be happier. So it's a stressful time for families who are struggling to make ends meet. I think what's really important is the message that our community comes together to support one another," said Linda Wright, the Salvation Army Executive Director.

Friday was the last day to register for this year's distribution. Salvation Army officials say the need is higher than ever this year. They anticipate seeing about 3,000 families. That's 500 more than last year, which was hundreds more than the year before.

"In the last three years, we've served about 9,000 families. So we knew that it was going to be a busy year. This is a unique program. It's the only program of its kind in the Syracuse Community because it's about families having resources and services so that they can have their own family traditions," said Wright.

Even though the need is higher, those coordinating the efforts at the fire stations say the donations are up, but they can always use more help.

"I think people are giving a little bit more only because they know there's more need out there. There's 20 percent more people that are asking for help this year through the Christmas bureau. I think people are trying to fill that void," said Heron.

Organizers say you can donate right up until the distribution next Thursday

If you would like to donate toys or food, you can do that at the Salvation Army or any of the city's fire stations or you can call the Salvation Army at (315) 479-1320.