The snow has arrived, the weather has gotten colder and holiday decorations are being put up.

It must be a few days before Thanksgiving.

The holiday season means the spirit of giving, presents, singing “Let It Snow” and “Deck The Halls” and helping those in need.

Volunteering to help needy families is a staple of the spirit of holiday giving, and the Salvation Army is back at it again this year.

On Dec. 18 and 19, volunteers will help distribute donated food and gifts to more than 600 families, said Barbara Goken, administrative assistant for the DeKalb County Salvation Army, 830 Grove St.

These families have been registered for assistance since October, after meeting income eligibility and proving DeKalb County residency.

“In addition to that, we have the ‘Adopt An Angel’ program where one family adopts a needy family and gives them help,” Goken said.

Only 175 families have been adopted so far, and the Salvation Army hopes that number will increase.

“Without all the volunteers we get, we wouldn’t be able to process all the items we have to distribute,” Goken said.

The Salvation Army works with other social service agencies to provide maximum assistance with minimal duplication of services.

“We do this so that one family doesn’t get assistance from three separate agencies while another family gets none,” Goken said. “We try to help everybody.”

The Hope Haven Center, 1145 Rushmore, will serve turkey and other Thanksgiving items starting at 7 p.m. for residents of the center and at 8 p.m. all are welcome.

“Anyone who would like to, is more than welcome to come out and help,” said Andrea Kibling, administrative assistant at Hope Haven.

She also said people can come in to volunteer at Christmas and anybody who wants to volunteer is greatly appreciated.

Some NIU students understand the need and remember how it felt to help out people in need of some help.

“When gathering old clothing for the Salvation Army, it makes me think of all the people I may be helping,” said Amber Krakowski, a freshman accountancy major. “It might not seem like much to me, but warm clothes and newer shoes are a thing of luxury for some.”

For information on volunteering, call the Salvation Army at 756-4308 or Hope Haven at 758-3166.