Raleigh, N.C. — Each year around the holidays the Salvation Army sponsors the Angel Tree program, which collects toys for children in need.

The recent down economy has caused the program to become even more popular.

“Amongst the applications that we’ve had come out this year, many of them are brand new, never receiving assistance through the Salvation Army through its Christmas program before,” said Capt. Greg Davis, of the Salvation Army of Wake County.

This year, the Salvation Army is anticipating up to 5,000 children from Wake County will join the program. It is open to families with children up to 12 years old.

The Salvation Army started registration for the Angel Tree program this week. To receive gifts, families must qualify as low-income. The minimum amounts for income to qualify as low income vary by county and family size.

Latonia Stubbs waited in line at the Salvation Army office, 2407 Wake Forest Road in Raleigh, for several hours on Wednesday to register.

“I was very shocked because I know it’s never been this crowded,” Stubbs said.

The Salvation Army hopes to give each child a minimum of three gifts.

For people wishing to donate to the Angel Tree, officials said sign-up will start around Thanksgiving at local malls.