The Salvation Army is looking to the community to give Santa a little help this year as it begins its annual toy drive.The toy drive is just one part of the church’s Christmas Assistance programme.According to Major Shawn Critch, the programme provided food and gifts for 2,800 residents last year, 800 of whom were children.“We are hoping to give out 2,500 new toys and books this year,” he said. “Our goal is to provide for 800 children to keep in line with last year’s number, and probably a lot more with the situation that we are unfortunately dealing with in the economy.”Since January, 275 new faces have come to the church for assistance almost all of those asking for help had a family to support.“The majority, if not all of the new individuals, come here as part of a family where one parent has lost a job or where it is a single parent,” he said.“They need this kind of assistance right now. A lot of people do.”He said he hopes that despite the economic hardships being faced by the Island, companies, community groups and individuals will come together to help those suffering.The Army is asking residents for toys suitable for children under the age of 12 however toys for children at either end of the spectrum would be especially appreciated, Major Critch said.“People tend to focus more on the six to ten,” he said. “Toys specifically geared for children ages two and under, as well as 11 to 12, is where we typically see the greatest gaps each year.”Registration for the Christmas Assistance Programme begins on November 1 and runs until November 30.Persons interested in making donations or hosting a toy drive at their business or school can contact the Salvation Army on 292-0601 or 537-6455.