Salvation Army workers around the Ohio Valley noticed a greater need for more donations this year than before as they prepare for WTOV9's Coats for Kids campaign.

Many locations reported an increase in new clients because many families are out of jobs.
"We've especially seen a rise in the needs for utility assistance and mostly importantly food assistance," said Brenda Greathouse, with the Salvation Army of Weirton.

Eight locations will receive checks for Coats for Kids, amounting to nearly $1,000 at each unit. Workers said they are getting a head-start on collecting goods.

"We did conduct our Thanksgiving and Christmas applications and our Coats for Kids applications," said Greathouse. "In Hancock County we've taken about 300 applications and about 100 in Brooke County."

According to Census Bureau reports, poverty levels in West Virginia and Ohio are more than 14 percent. Beverly McGoldrick, of the Salvation Army of Steubenville, explained the increased need for help in the community.

"Our need in this community is awful. I mean they have to decide whether to buy prescriptions, whether to buy food. They're really hurting," said McGoldrick.

As workers prep for the holiday season, they said they hope the additional money helps meet the need this year.

Some local businesses have donation containers for anyone who wants to donate to Coats for Kids. Workers said they will take families shopping with those donations next week.