SHERMAN, Tex -- While many of us are spending Christmas with our families, there are several people who have no one to celebrate with, and no place to call home. So volunteers with the Salvation Army are making sure that everyone in need has somewhere to go this Christmas

Volunteers at the Salvation Army were up at 5:00 this morning, preparing Christmas lunch. It's something they do every year, but this year, there's a twist.

There's always a need, but this year, it's greater than ever.

"There's a greater need right now that last year. Last year people had good jobs. The economy is bad this year and I think most of that, that's what it is," said Salvation Army Chef Danny Murphree.

That's why Murphree was up at 5:00 this morning. He's the cook at the shelter, and has lived there for four years now.

"Its what I enjoy. I've been cooking all my life," said Murphree. "It's what I enjoy and I've been cooking all my life and I love it. It helps everybody out."

On the menu this Christmas...traditional baked ham, yams, corn and all types of desserts. Murphree says Christmas is about giving to others, especially children.

"It's about giving to the kids and helping people in need and that's what we're here for. We try to help people in need."

That's why Jacqueline Duncun is a volunteer.

"It's fun. Hard work but fun," Duncun said. "The economy has forced people to ask for help that have never asked for help before and some didn't want to ask for help but they though of their children and so they came to us. Yes we seen an increase because of the economy."

Murphree says the goal is simple.

"This is what we strive for, is to help people and get them in the mood and think we've done a pretty good job of it. Thats what the salvation army is all about is helping people."

The Salvation Army provided toys for more than 1,500 children this year, and volunteers say their Kettle Program collected more than $100,000 in Grayson County alone--Making Christmas a little brighter for those in need.