Dear Readers,
The economy is on everyone’s mind.
Home foreclosures. Wall Street woes. Concerns about jobs and shrinking retirement funds. Coloradans, like other Americans, are curbing their spending, buying only what’s necessary.
Unfortunately, local charities are unable to do the same. As more layoffs are announced and prices rise, charitable agencies require even more funding to help the ever-increasing numbers of people who seek assistance.
At Catholic Charities, Randy Weinert looks over his spreadsheet and finds the numbers disheartening. In the past year, requests for assistance have gone up 23 percent. That number might not sound exorbitant until you put it in context: Since January 2006, needs have increased by 65 percent.
In that same period, donations have remained nearly level, but costs have increased.
“Costs are going up, and demand is going up. And we’re not keeping up,” Weinert says.
The agency is operating on two-thirds the total of past budgets. It has cut back staffing and shuttered two of its child-care centers, says Weinert, who is director of communications.
But the people keep coming — seeking a meal, a place to stay and help in finding a job.
Catholic Charities’ eight emergency assistance centers served 80,000 people last year. The agency expects to help as many as 100,000 this year.
Other charitable organizations are embroiled in the same battle and need your help.
If you are able, please consider donating to this year’s Post-News Season to Share campaign, a fund of the McCormick Foundation.
Last year, the campaign granted a record $2.19 million to 62 charities that help homeless people, children and those who are hungry or medically indigent. The campaign raised $1.46 million from 6,711 donors, and the McCormick Foundation matched those funds at 50 cents on the dollar.
The Denver Newspaper Agency and the foundation pay all costs of the campaign, so 100 percent of the funds went directly to the charities.
Our community is incredibly generous, and The Post is honored to be a part of it.
This year, please give what you can to help those who are struggling the most.
Gregory L. Moore
Editor, The Denver Post
