Zachary Babic, 5, stays close to his grandpa as he watches Pastor Juan Alarcon play a few Christmas songs on an accordian Friday at The Salvation Army on Douglas Avenue in Elgin. December 7, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
A table full of donated food awaits needy families and individuals Friday at the Salvation Army on Douglas Avenue in Elgin. December 7, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Volunteer Ted Small plays the part of Santa as he collects donations for The Salvation Army Friday at Walmart on Randall Road in Elgin. Funds are low this year compared to past years as well as donations of food, clothing and volunteers. December 7, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Estela Triplett carries her food items Friday at the Salvation Army on Douglas Avenue in Elgin. December 7, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Eli, 3, and her mother Mari wait to be let through the door by Pastor Juan Alarcon, to collect a box of food Friday at the Salvation Army on Douglas Avenue in Elgin. December 7, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Volunteer Ivy Terrell assists those in need Friday at the Salvation Army on Douglas Avenue in Elgin. Funds are low this year compared to past years as well as donations of food, clothing and volunteers. December 7, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Sharon Terrell of Symmetrix Home Healthcare, Inc. takes the blood pressure of Major Alberto Raple Friday at the Salvation Army on Douglas Avenue in Elgin. The service, including blood pressure and blood sugar readings, are available at The Salvation Army. December 7, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Michael Vargas carries a box of food he received Friday from The Salvation Army on Douglas Avenue in Elgin. Funds are low this year compared to past years as well as donations of food, clothing and volunteers. December 7, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Ted Small of Elgin volunteers his time in front of the Walmart on Randall Road in Elgin Friday collecting donations for The Salvation Army. December 7, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
ELGIN — It was the Friday before Thanksgiving, and hundreds of needy families had lined up down the block outside the Salvation Army’s Douglas Avenue headquarters in hopes of receiving turkeys and other trimmings needed for a traditional holiday meal. But when the 200 turkeys …
