|
In Minnesota last month, charity officials were astounded when roughly 45,000 people participated in an online "Give to the Max Day" and donated $14 million to more than 3,400 charities in a 24-hour span. For the Salvation Army, the overall giving statistics aren't so encouraging. Major George Hood, a national spokesman, said donations to the seasonal Red Kettle campaign are down 18 percent from a year ago in the Northeast and 8 to 10 percent lower in other regions, even as demand for services is up. To boost donations, the Salvation Army is trying several technological innovations, including its own iPhone application and a give-by-credit-card option available at about 300 of its kettles. In the suburbs of Birmingham, Ala., the Shelby County Salvation Army is struggling to keep pace with a record number of requests for a program providing gifts for needy children. Families have signed up about 500 children to receive presents and 150 more are on a waiting list, said program coordinator Linda Wyngarden. So far, though, there are only donations to provide for about 450 children, meaning some 200 kids may be disappointed on Christmas. "It's because of the recession," said Wyngarden. "It may be that people had jobs lost and just can't give anymore." Among those helping Wyngarden sort gifts was Vickie Langston, who needed assistance of her own from the charity this year after being laid off. "I've never had to ask for help for anything in my life, but I didn't have a choice," Langston said. "At least I can help doing this." Bob Martens, chief executive of Family Service and Community Mental Health Center in McHenry, Ill., said he's seen a drop in attendance
-- and donations -- at various charity events. "I can't help but feel there are people out there who want to give," he said. "It's whether or not they have the wherewithal." For the Baldwin Center, which serves residents of the hard-hit industrial community of Pontiac north of Detroit, getting through the year has required a greater reliance on small donations. One casualty was the annual golf outing, once its largest fundraiser. "There just really is no corporate money anymore," said Lisa Machesky, the center's executive director. "You have to rely on individuals."
[Associated
Press;
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries
Community |
Perspectives
|
Law & Courts |
Leisure Time
|
Spiritual Life |
Health & Fitness |
Teen Scene
Calendar
|
Letters to the Editor