The Salvation Army asked for it and got it – big time.

It didn't take long after a News-Gazette story Saturday about a disturbing decline in the inventory at two local Salvation Army thrift shops for local residents to start helping out.

Tammie Williams, general manager of stores located at 2212 N. Market St. and 109 W. John St., in Champaign, said donations started coming in the same day. But with the start of the new week came a deluge.

"As Monday came, the gates opened up. It's been wonderful," she said. "I am overwhelmed. Words can't express it."

Williams said donated items included coats, clothing, purses, household goods, shoes and various knick-knacks.

The story, which focused mostly on the local Salvation Army, concerned the agency's declining ability to help out people in need. Its thrift stores were reaching what was described as the bottom of their inventory, which resulted from a decline in donations that started in early December and coincided with the heavy snows and frigid winter weather that's dogged East Central Illinois.

Representatives of two other local charities, Empty Tomb and Salt and Light, indicated they maintained adequate supplies but said donations typically fall this time of year.

Donations to charitable organizations ebb and flow, according to the time of year. Busy months include move-in time, like the beginning of the new school year at the University of Illinois, and August, when apartment leases expire. Slower times of the year are the winter months.

But slower times apparently have more to do with individual inclinations than a lack of items people feel they can donate.

Williams said that the Salvation Army has received so much that it's been challenging to handle it all.

"We're hanging (items in the stores) like crazy. We're pricing like crazy," she said.

Once again, the people of this community have responded to address a social need. This kind of story has occurred over and over again, but it's one we never get tired of telling. The community's generosity is one of the reasons why Champaign County is a great place to live.

So, great job. And, if you have clothing, coats, furniture or anything else you don't need that might help someone else, make a donation to the Salvation Army, Empty Tomb or Salt and Light. They'll put it to good use.