NATCHEZ — Armed only with a bell and a bucket, Allison Williams was watching her post with the Salvation Army all day Friday.

As each shopper passed through the doors of Kmart they got a “Hello,” when they came in and a “Thank You,” each time they made a donation.

“There’s always someone doing worse than you, so why not give,” Williams said.

And Williams, a new volunteer with the Salvation Army, said it wasn’t that long ago when she was in need — and now she’s helping them.

“In June I was having a hard time and they really helped me out,” Williams said.

After the group helped her with her utility bill, Williams said she wanted to do something for them.

“So that’s what I’m doing,” she said. “I said I can give something back.”

The group’s service center manager, Janet Trahern, said in the current economy, the Salvation Army is often the first place people look for help.

“And now we’re busy,” Trahern said. “We’ve been getting a lot of requests for help.”

And Trahern said those who donate money to the Salvation Army can take comfort in knowing the money will stay in the local community.

That money is needed more than ever now, Trahern said.

Trahern said the money the group gets from the federal government has been spent and more won’t come until months into the new year.

“It’s a hard time for everyone right now,” she said.

And in an effort to collect toys for the area’s needy youth the group has also implemented a toy drive at the mall.

Trahern said anyone that agreed to provide a toy to the group should have their donation in by Thursday.

“We really need them back,” she said.

Donations to the group can be dropped off at their office at 509 North Canal.