Families in need from West O'ahu began lining up early this morning at the Kapolei High School cafeteria for the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program that distributes toys for children and Christmas gifts for the elderly.

In a sign of tough economic times, Salvation Army Maj. Phil Lum said the number of gift applicants this year is 70 percent to 80 percent higher for the area than last year.

A number of first-timers said their families had fallen on hard times in recent months, and that they were grateful to the Salvation Army for its efforts to make Christmas brighter this season for those less fortunate.

Latisha Tai of Nanakuli showed up with her husband Austin Tai and six children, ages 7 though 14. The part-time government worker said since the city cut back her hours, making ends meet has been difficult.

"We appreciate all the Salvation Army has done to help us this year," she said.

The Angel Tree program joined the Salvation Army's familiar Red Kettles Christmas tradition in Lynchburg, Va., in 1979 as a way to provide toys and clothing to children. The Angel Tree quickly program caught on and is now part of the Salvation Army's annual holiday custom across the nation.