This time it’s different.
That’s what the people on the front lines of Colorado charities will tell you about need and charitable giving.
Food banks not only are seeing unprecedented numbers of needy people, but they’re receiving requests from people who’ve never had to ask for help before. And they sometimes don’t have enough food on the shelves to meet the need.
We hope that those who can will make an effort to donate — $10 or $20 can make a difference — to the charity of their choice.
We realize that charities’ requests for help are a staple when the holidays come around. But this year, with the unstable economy and people out of work, those pleas have a new edge to them.
“We’re seeing numbers this year that we’ve never, ever seen before,” said Mag Strittmatter, executive director of Jeffco Action Center.
Even just a few months ago, Strittmatter said, getting 120 requests for aid was a big day. When we talked to her this week, she had just overseen a day that brought 214 families to the center looking for food, clothing, medical care, shelter or medical assistance.
Even a place like Douglas County isn’t immune to the downturn.
Clark Hastings, co-chair of the Parker Task Force, said need is up by 31 percent and the ordinary, middle-class people who make donations to the task force food bank are trimming back in order to put food on their own tables.
“A lot of folks who could do $20 a month can no longer do that,” he said. “It’s just tough times right now.”
The story is much the same at the Arvada Community Food Bank, where requests are up by about 30 percent.
Executive Director Ernie Giron is worried about his ability to give to feed those in need. “I anticipate that we’re probably going to have to turn some people away.”
After the holidays, charities expect the situation to become more grim as layoffs increase and giving drops off.
“I’m worried about what’s going to happen in February or March,” said Judy Barrow, executive director of the Aurora Interchurch Task Force.
Kevin Seggelke, president of Food Bank of the Rockies, said this year is the worst he’s seen in the six years he’s been at the food bank. They’re very concerned about whether they’ll get the needed donations over the next 30 days.
So we join the voices who have asked Coloradans to do what they can. Forgo a small luxury, like take-out pizza for a night, and donate the money.
Decide with friends that instead of exchanging gifts you’ll donate to a homeless shelter or a food bank.
Even a little can go a long way, and it’s clear there’s a long way to go until this economic downturn eases.
