With a deterioratingfinancial base, nonprofits are seeing their donations dive. Regularly in the course of the Thanksgiving and Christmas Season offerings tend to skyrocket. But over the last few years the declines in giving to food banks, shelters, and humanitarian organizations have become evident.
When people are struggling themselves and are short on money the first thing to do is cut needless expenses. Normally, they start by cutting out the vacations, designer clothing, eating out and when that isn’t enough then they eliminate donations and other spending in order to break even.
Because of tighter pocketbooks food banks and charities this year are struggling because there are more people needing services and less people donating. Especially, with the holidays approaching food banks may not be able to supply some of the needy, many of which are families. The situation is severe and charities are trying to find more ways to get individuals to contribute.
Charities are now asking Congress to create a tax enticement so that more people will give. They also want the government to increase national nutrition programs and spend more on programs to help people prepare for work. Charities deem that with the governments help there will be more aid which means enough food to provide for everyone.
At one Seattle food bank they have over 2,500 visitors on busy days which is up from 1,800 just last year. Josh Fogt the manager of Northwest Harvest in Seatte revealed that “In our 42-year history, we have never witnessed a demand for our services like we are seeing now.” This and other nonprofit groups are being forced to handle greater amounts of people with smaller amounts of resources.
Although many of us have a decreased incomes, or even no income we can still find a way to donate. It doesn’t have to be cash, it can even be a couple cases of Top Ramen or anything that you can give. It doesn’t have to be a large amount, but every little bit helps. However, if you can’t give even a penny, you can go and donate your time. Volunteer and lend a hand to a nonprofit organization.
It doesn’t matter how terrible you think your circumstances are, there are always people that are worse off than you. Spend time this thanksgiving remembering everything that you have and the importance your loved ones play in your life. Give of yourself and you will feel better because you forgot about yourself and helped someone else.
But if you are struggling this season there are organizations out there that can help you. And if you have enough provisions on your table and clothes on your back give thanks by donating. There is a huge need out there and more than 14.6 percent of U.S. households are missing food to lead a healthy life.
Hunger affects everyone. Donations are not only used to help the destitute, but the elderly, children, along with many of your friends and neighbors. This recession is touching everyone including the lower and middle classes. Give what you can because fellow Americans are missing the basic provisions and the government can’t do everything.
About the Author
Diane Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Utah. She likes to write about the news, politics, adult education, continuing education, and the college experience.
