Volunteers and coordinators with the Salvation Army are gearing up for Christmas.

Tuesday morning at the Colorado Army National Guard shop, they began packing food boxes that will be distributed to those in need this holiday season.

The National Guard and volunteers are hoping to fill over 2-thousand boxes for Christmas.

When we visited with them this afternoon, they had already filled over a thousand boxes with food.

But volunteers say they're still in need of some essential items.

One of those volunteers, Susan Potts, explained, "This year we really need...butter or oil or something that we can put in the boxes, pie fillings, anything that's Christmas. People can help on the 19th and the 20th. We'll be handing this stuff out."

Only non-perishable items are being boxed right now.  Perishable items won't be delivered to the shop until the 19th, when distribution begins.

If you want to donate, or help distribute, contact the Salvation Army at 970-242-7513 or 970-210-5827.