Charities see drop in donations; some who received help now helping others

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

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Christmas tree and gifts

(WSBT photo)

By Jim Pinkerton

Story Created: Dec 14, 2007 at 9:31 PM EST

Story Updated: Jan 2, 2008 at 1:51 PM EST

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY -- It's the season for giving, but many local charities say people aren't. Donations are down again this year and some charities say economic factors, like high mortgage rates and layoffs, are causing the pinch.

It's not affecting all charities.

But some people say giving doesn't have to cost a lot.

On Christmas Day, kids believe there will be presents under the tree. But unfortunately, Santa doesn't always have money or a job.

"I was telling my daughter who was seven at the time that mommy wouldn't be able to buy Christmas this year," said Pam Miller who had been out of work for 10 months and looking for a job.

Santa had some helpers.

"We went home before Christmas and there was a huge bag of toys," said Miller.

"I believed it came from Santa Claus," said Emily Miller, who got Christmas.

"I started crying," said Miller.

Every year, the Kingsford Heights Community Center helps families, like the Millers who are down on their luck. Occasionally, it motivates those families to help others.

"I try to give $250 worth of toys. I start right after Christmas and buy clearance toys," said Miller.

Even with her help, donations are down.

"We are probably at 20 percent of what we had last year," said Dennis Francis who handles donations at Kingsford Heights' Community Center. "The economy and stuff. Places closing up, people losing their jobs."

It's a problem other organizations are facing, like the Food Bank, Meals On Wheels and Mental Health of St. Joseph County.

"We saw a large decrease this year. A lot of companies that were helping out in previous years had layoffs. And unfortunately, we weren't able to meet the demands," said Rose Waldschmidt, Mental Health of St. Joseph County.

But some charities are doing well and say it's their unique services.

"Donations have been great," said Teal Bishop, executive director of O'Hana Foundation. "Once people hear about our cause and know it's for children, they really jump in."

Emily's ready to continue her family's three year tradition of giving.

"It's more important for other kids to have Christmas than me," she said.

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