KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- In the 865 area code 55,000 of you are out of work. And while you're probably focused on putting food on your own dinner table and buying holiday gifts for your own family, you have a lot of neighbors who are also in need.

"All of us have an important part that we can play and it will be a huge blessing to our community," Jonathan Haskell, the Community Relations Director for The Salvation Army said.

In East Tennessee, giving looks like ringing a bell, stocking shelves or stuffing stockings.

It also looks like getting closer to an $11. 8 Million goal, and giving a $40,000 gift and a semi-truck full of food.

"[We've received] a tremendous amount of support from the community," Elaine Streno, the Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank said, "but it hasn't kept up with the demand."

The Salvation Army, Second Harvest Food Bank and United Way of Greater Knoxville all tell us, there's a long way to go.

"It's just not easy right now. The economy is affecting all of us in such a major way," Streno continued.

"One out of about every three people that come to us for assistance is coming to us for the first time," Haskell told Volunteer TV.

In September, 289 of you became homeless in our area alone.

"That's a huge number. We've not had those numbers here since the Katrina evacuees arrived here in 2005," Ben Landers, the President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Knoxville said.

So all charities are stepping up efforts to help out, but they need you.

United Way says expect to see pocket change collections at West Town Mall over the next two weekends.

Even Knox County school kids are getting in on the spare change drive-- whether it's a nickle and dime, or a whole lot of change.. united way says every little bit helps.

And if it's not monetary, these groups welcome your gift of time.

"Our community is facing a very special need this year. And it's not just a need the Salvation Army needs to fill, or, Second Harvest has to fill, or a local church has to fill. But it's a need the community needs to be involved," Haskell said.

For more information on The Salvation Army of Knoxville, click here.

For more information on Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, click here.

For more information on United Way of Greater Knoxville, click here.