Rockford has the highest unemployment rate in Illinois.. .topping 14 percent. But a local company is hoping to put hundreds back to work during the holiday season.

23 News Economic Reporter Kristin Burke finds out how brown hopes to deliver some much needed green to thinning wallets.

It's a tough market out there." no matter how difficult the local job market is... There is something Leaf River resident Charles Gelazus isn't willing to do... Give up.

" I'm willing to adapt . I'm flexible and will do whatever i need to do." Gelazus, who is approaching retirement age, has been out-of-work for over a year... Despite several job interviews ...None have panned out .

He and the other 40 people who walk into the Rockford U-P-S employment office every day are all hoping to be one of the lucky ones and find temporary work.

"We are looking for seasonal package handlers and driver helpers."

Business at the Rockford hub has been steady despite the recession.. but the number hoping to land seasonal work has has been rising steadily.

"We're seeing a very diverse people looking for jobs perhaps those who normally wouldn't be interested in temporary employment.. now are looking for that extra cash."

" The economic slowdown isn't boxing the companies plan to hire 600 seasonal workers at its Rockford facility.. relatively the same number the company hired last year ."

" It's not always volume that dictates how many people we hire, alot of times it can be tech enhancements that affect our operation not how many packages come through."

Hand says the company most likely will consider some of the temporary workers for permanent positions when the holiday season is over... And Galezus hopes to land the opportunity...so his worst fear won't come true.. the fear, of not finding a job before he retires.

In Rockford Kristin Burke 23 News Right Now.