MILWAUKEE -- Workers at the Salvation Army say that the nation’s recession is not helping them pull off a Christmas miracle.

More Seek Help From Salvation Army

Organizers said that donations are down this year while the need is growing everyday.

The Salvation Army said that 500 families have come to them for aid so far this week and that many of those families are asking for help for the first time.

“Last year, we served 11,000 children for Christmas, this year we will easily do 22,000 probably closer to 25,000,” Maj. Jesse Collins said.

The organization has a mountain of toys on hand but they said it won't be enough to give kids the kind of Christmas those making requests have enjoyed in the past.

This year they're being sort of rationed out.

“Unless a miracle happens, every child will be given one toy," Collins said. “We're about half of what we were last year in trying to raise for toys.”

That's because donations the Salvation Army receives to buy toys are down by almost $500,000.

People have until Dec. 6 to sign up or apply for toys, the Salvation Army said it can't guarantee to give as much as it did last year but because of Milwaukee's generosity.

However, organizers did say they will be able to guarantee the people will leave with something.