ORLANDO, Fla. — The Salvation Army is already starting its “Rescue Christmas” campaign because there is such a need, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It's the first time in 130 years the Salvation Army is starting its annual holiday fundraising campaign in September.

“There are so many people out of work. This year so many people that are hurting, every Tuesday we are giving 1,300 cases of food away. We are helping with rent assistance and utility assistance in ways we have never have before,” Salvation Army Capt. Ken Chapman said.

With the huge need, the Salvation Army is seeking even more help from the community to collect funds to help families and those in need.

Things are a bit different this year.

“We have a limited number of street kettles because of COVID-19, but we are pushing hard our virtual kettles,” Chapman said.

The Salvation Army is not only trying to rescue Christmas for families struggling to pay bills and help people place gifts under the tree; the funds raised help with resources throughout the year.

Donations also help at-risk children and people at their shelters, like Rolando Castellaaos.

“I don't have a job, I don't have a place to live, I have very little money,” he said.

He fell on tough times and has been staying at the shelter. He's now hoping to move into the “Towers,” where the Salvation provides permanent apartment-style housing for the elderly.

“They have been nice. People that are very very kind,” Castellaaos said.

The Salvation Army really depends on funding from the community to make this happen.

"I am grateful to live in a place like Orlando where people care about each other and have all the confidence the community will step up and meet our goals,” Chapman said.

Based on the increase in services already provided in response to the pandemic, Salvation Army officials say they could serve up to 155 percent more people in 2020 with holiday assistance.