FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE)— The Salvation Army, neighboring counties' Toys for Tots programs, and local businesses quickly jumped to action when it was announced Fort Wayne Toys for Tots would not be operational this year. There are other places you can donate, including the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army expressed concern that donations may slow because people may think that they are affiliated with Toys for Tots. "The Salvation Army and Toys for Tots are completely separate organizations here in Allen County," Salvation Army Captain, Dena Smith, said. Smith said the Salvation Army is still in desperate need for donations this year. "We're worried that folks are unsure what to do," Smith said. "So, we're just asking that you please bring us those donations and we'll put them in the hands of families who are in need." Santa's Soldiers are also joining the ranks of those wanting to give to families in need through Operation Holiday Cheer. Partnering alongside the Adam Blakey Holiday Foundation, the operation hopes to bring joy and Christmas toys to families in need. Find out more details on Santa's Soldiers' Facebook page. In previous years Santa's Soldiers have collected more than 700 toys, this year they plan to host an event at Electric Works on December 21 for participants to pick up gifts. This year, Allen County joins Noble, DeKalb, Huntington, Wells, Adams, and Jay Counties as a county with no Toys for Tots program. Whitley County Toys for Tots is still fully operational and even has a few drop off locations in Allen County. The coordinators, Tiffany and Matt Careins, are ready and willing to teach people in the counties without a program so they can start one.*** "It's too late this year," Tiffany said. "We're too close to Christmas. But, we would love to be able to talk to people, let them come in and watch how our program is run to see if it's something that they would be interested in taking on." Fort Wayne restaurant, Granite City Brewery, immediately set up a collection for the Salvation Army. They usually collect for Toys for Tots. "I was heartbroken," Granite City manager, Ashley Serrano, said. "Instead of sitting on social media and being upset about it, I decided to do something about it." Serrano has reached out to other Fort Wayne restaurants to see if they want to chip in as well. She has coined it, "Restaurants to the Rescue." "Especially since our community came in so strong with us during COVID and helped us restaurants stay above water," Serrano said. "We'd like to give back to the community." The Salvation Army is accepting donations through Dec. 6. Granite City is accepting them through Dec. 15. ***To contact Whitley County Toys for Tots, email [email protected]