Charities fighting economic battle on two fronts
More families are in need, but fewer can give to them.
Published Nov. 18, 2008
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Matt Miller/Staff Photographer Salvation Army worker Joe Harris attempts to collect money for the annual Red Kettle Campaign on Monday outside of Walgreens. Despite an increase in the need for donations, fewer people are donating money to local and national charities because of the economic crisis.
The economic crisis has hit charity organizations from two sides this year, as there has been an increase in need and a decrease in giving.
As the charities head into the holiday season, they are making a push to gather more funds to balance the increase in requests.
This year, Heart of Missouri United Way reported a 22 percent increase in requests for food from the Central Missouri Food Bank, 20 percent increase in requests for transportation to and from work, 22 percent increase in counseling requests to the Family Health Center and 22 percent increase in people seeking emergency funding for routine medication from the Voluntary Action Center.
"The economy definitely has affected us," said Lindsey Schroeder, Heart of Missouri United Way marketing and special events manager.
This year, Heart of Missouri United Way is still 20 percent below their annual goal of $3,250,059.
To raise funds, the organization is holding Live United this week. The events will include activities such as a chili cook-off and a Wii tournament.
"We just want to make sure that we're reaching our goal," Schroeder said.
The Voluntary Action Center is also struggling to meet the rise in demand for services.
In October, VAC distributed 900 bus passes, which are distributed to low-income families.
Cindy Mustard, executive director at VAC, said that is the highest number she has seen since she began working at VAC in 1991. She said in a "heavy month" they would typically distribute 600 passes.
Out of 1,200 families that the center sponsors for Christmas, 119 have yet to be sponsored as of Monday. Normally, at this time of the year, there would be less than 50 families still to go, Mustard said.
The sponsors are typically divided equally between individuals, churches and businesses, but Mustard said she has seen a decrease in the number of families churches are sponsoring.
"Some have picked up," she said. "Some have cut back."
Mustard said, overall, the numbers from churches are "a little less than they have been in the past."
Because many people are struggling financially, Mustard encourages individuals to get a group together and divide the costs.
"We're all being stretched a bit, but if we do it in smaller increments, it wouldn't be so bad," she said.
For the long term, the VAC has begun to apply for more grants in preparation for future increases in requests.
"Things aren't going to change overnight, but I hope they change," Mustard said.
The Salvation Army just kicked off its annual Red Kettle Campaign in Columbia this month, where workers stand outside of local businesses ringing bells and collecting change for donations.
Maj. Kendal Mathews, regional coordinator for the Columbia and Jefferson City branches of The Salvation Army, said he hopes that reaching such a large proportion of Columbia residents will help increase their donations.
"You could be in the food line, awaiting a Thanksgiving dinner," he said. "Remember, you could be."