MINNEAPOLIS - When it is this cold, having a place to stay warm is so important.
The Salvation Army relies on the red kettle donations to help provide the homeless with a place to stay.
It's a growing need this winter, at the same time its helping people at Christmas.
In the gym at the University of Northwestern in Roseville Monday, Salvation Army elves did a little last minute gift shopping for families in need at their overflow toy shop, bagging up presents for the kids.
The Salvation Army's Twin Cities Commander, Jeff Strickler said they are "helping over 22,000 children with gifts"
While these gifts make the season bright for so many, the need for warm shelter is so much greater.
The bitter cold we've had already this season can mean life or death for some and the great need is taxing the Salvation Army's resources.
Envoy Bill Miller who helps run the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center in downtown Minneapolis said, "Our numbers are highest I've ever seen and I've been here fourteen years."
Miller said instead of 450 people a night, they're sheltering and average of 800.
"We have people sitting in chairs rather than being out in the cold. We have people lying in spots where they may not be the best, but it's the best that we can provide," he said,
In addition to permanent beds, the chapel is cleared every night of its chairs which are replaced with140 mattresses. And that's just one area for overflow.
"I can't turn anybody away. That's what our mission is. That's what my mission is," Miller said.
The need doesn't stop at shelter and a warm meal. Some people need proper clothing to brave the elements.
One gentleman came in needing shoes.
"He was walking around with moccasins on and we got him some brand new shoes," Miller said.
The grateful man, now in a pair of warm hiking boots, said, "I'm stepping on cloud nine."
Annette Bauer with the Salvation Army said the organization has raised seven million of its ten-point-eight million dollar end of year fundraising goal.
While donations picked up over the weekend, she said the cold has kept some bell-ringers away from manning kettles.
According to Bauer, a couple good days of donations at the kettles will help.
Miller said the money raised at the kettles will go a long way to help those in need.
"I just thank God for all the donors that give," he said.
