ST. LOUIS, MO ( KPLR ) -
Local charities, big and small, are feeling the pinch of a rough economy this holiday season. Some of the numbers have already proven to be sobering.
The Salvation Army says donations at area red kettles are actually on par with 2008. But corporate giving, which makes up two-thirds of their annual Tree of Light campaign, has plummeted. Those donations are down 50% compared to last year according to Major Randy Polsley.
"Were hearing some compelling stories of corporations who are laying off staff and its difficult for them to rationalize charitable giving."
Other St. Louis traditions are feeling the pinch. Organizers of the annual Guns n Hoses fundraiser for Backstoppers say they were pleased with the crowd at the event. It was in excess of 16,000. But when they made their annual check presentation Tuesday morning, that check was 20% smaller. They point to low consumer confidence and high unemployment as big problems.
Without that weekly check coming in people don't have that extra $10 or $20 for a ticket and that's why I was very pleased that we had a very good turnout this year, organizer Jerry Clinton says, "Things are no easier for smaller organizations. Loaves and Fishes runs a shelter for homeless women and children, as well as a food pantry in Maryland Heights."
Their donations are down ten percent, but demand is way up. They expected 33 people to spend Tuesday night there. There are 29 beds. Its all the more difficult to manage with fewer resources.
Its very difficult, director Deborah Push says. I think a lot of people are struggling themselves.
The Salvation Army says donations at area red kettles are actually on par with 2008. But corporate giving, which makes up two-thirds of their annual Tree of Light campaign, has plummeted. Those donations are down 50% compared to last year according to Major Randy Polsley.
"Were hearing some compelling stories of corporations who are laying off staff and its difficult for them to rationalize charitable giving."
Other St. Louis traditions are feeling the pinch. Organizers of the annual Guns n Hoses fundraiser for Backstoppers say they were pleased with the crowd at the event. It was in excess of 16,000. But when they made their annual check presentation Tuesday morning, that check was 20% smaller. They point to low consumer confidence and high unemployment as big problems.
Without that weekly check coming in people don't have that extra $10 or $20 for a ticket and that's why I was very pleased that we had a very good turnout this year, organizer Jerry Clinton says, "Things are no easier for smaller organizations. Loaves and Fishes runs a shelter for homeless women and children, as well as a food pantry in Maryland Heights."
Their donations are down ten percent, but demand is way up. They expected 33 people to spend Tuesday night there. There are 29 beds. Its all the more difficult to manage with fewer resources.
Its very difficult, director Deborah Push says. I think a lot of people are struggling themselves.
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