Because of an increased need for help this year for many area residents, a couple Albert Lea businesses are trying to be more community-minded.

Helping with efforts for The Albert Lea Salvation Army Angel Tree and Toys for Tots, Northbridge Mall leaders have agreed on a new receiving area for Angel Tree donations next to Pizza Ranch, and Bergdale Harley-Davidson is also putting up an Angel Tree in its business. Bergdale’s will also be a dropoff site for toys, said Capt. Jim Brickson.

All donations will go toward gifts for needy children in the area.

Following the example of Minnesota Corrugated Box, Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services is also adding an Angel Tree.

The additions come to Angel Tree locations already in place at the Northbridge Mall, Herberger’s, First Lutheran Church, Grace Lutheran Church, Concordia Lutheran Church, Central Freeborn Lutheran Church, Minnesota Corrugated Box, St. Theodore Catholic Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, Salem Lutheran Church, Wells Fargo, Trades & Labor Credit Union, Accentra Credit Union and Trails Truck Stop.

The following businesses are Toys for Tots drop off locations: Albert Lea Tribune, Maurices, Hy-Vee, Shopko, Bonnerup Funeral Services and Edward Jones Financial Services.

People are encouraged to go to one of the above locations and pick a tag from the Angel Tree to purchase a gift for a needy child. All toys and gifts should be brought to any of these sites unwrapped.

To help in the effort to collect toys, Brickson said Hy-Vee will also have a four-day toy event in the front of its store Dec. 11 through 14.

Salvation Army leaders have also met with Shopko and Northbridge Mall officials to see if there is something else that can be done to help the effort.