While those in need often turn to it for food or shelter, more job-seekers are turning to the Salvation Army for work.

Every year, the Salvation Army pays bell-ringers to help with its red kettle campaign. While some bell-ringers are volunteers, most are paid employees.

In the Quad Cities this year, the Salvation Army is seeing about a 30-percent increase in people applying for those jobs.

Officials say the paid positions are another way the religious organization can help families during the Christmas season.

"This not only provides people who are out of work to have a job, but also gives us a way to raise money this time of year," said Salvation Army Captain Billie-Jo Richardson"

 The Salvation Army currently has 116 paid bell-ringers. They will work Monday through Saturday until Christmas eve.