News

Non-profits worry about holiday giving

By MICHAEL PETERSON Argus-Press Staff Writer

Tuesday, December 2, 2008 9:47 AM EST

OWOSSO - In a season traditionally known for its spirit of giving, non-profit organization officials have mixed opinions on how the economic uncertainty has affected charitable giving.

But one thing is for certain - things could be better.

Shiawassee United Way Executive Director Retta Parsons said the organization has been struggling more than usual, and believes the economic climate is the largest factor.

“We lost about $50,000 in pledges when they closed a few of the automotive factories in Flint,” Parsons said. “If people lose their jobs, the last thing they are thinking about is finishing their pledges, because they are worried about feeding their families.”

Parsons said United Way was down 33 percent from its campaign goal of $320,000 to fund programs for non-profit organizations.

“We are very happy to get at least 66 percent,” Parsons said.

She added the group's original campaign was extended by two and a half weeks because it had only collected one-third of the goal. After the extension, approximately $205,000 had been raised.

“We are going to have to make some very difficult decisions this year,” Parsons said.

United Way's main purpose is to work as an umbrella corporation. The money it raises is distributed to local non-profit organizations.

“With the dollars getting tighter, it's become an ever-more aggressive market. And it's become more difficult to fundraise for our customer agencies,” Parsons said. “All the money that is collected by Shiawassee United Way stays in Shiawassee County.”

She added the United Way last year was able to fund 31 programs at 20 agencies, but doesn't “foresee that things are going to be that generous next year.”

Because of these complications, Parsons is hoping the government will also give the Big Three a bailout.

“They are bailing out all the financial industry, but they are not bailing out the auto industry. And that is what services Main Street,” Parsons said.

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. Center Coordinator Becky Zelma said the economic climate has increased problems two-fold for charity organizations - not only is it driving away people from giving, it also is making the need higher.

The CACS's Christmas Wishes program last year had a record number of applicants, with about 410 families receiving donations. This year they have around 700.

“Normally we have a lot more families adopted out by this time,” Zelma said. “Many, many people are struggling. They are not spending money unless they absolutely have to.”

However, she also said there is always a group of people who are unwavering in their giving spirit.

“The people who are donors are very generous and they really do a nice job,” Zelma said.

Matthew Rowland, director of service extension for The Salvation Army in Owosso, also agreed requests for assistance have gone up considerably.

“When we don't have the funding available, it is hard to support people,” Rowland said. “From what I can tell, it is not just the lower-income families. It is starting to get to the working poor - the ones who are working 35 to 40 hours a week, but still getting behind.”

He added it is during the winter season that The Salvation Army sees the most requests.

But Rowland has faith in what he has seen residents do when life starts to become more difficult for their neighbors.

“We thought last year was going rough, but the community stepped up with their food and monetary donations,” Rowland said. “We got more last year than we had collected the year before.”

He believes the same will happen again.

“Even though this year is worse than last year, as far as the economy, we are still expecting the same - if not higher - donations,” Rowland said. “The people who are stable enough...still understand that people need help, so they are very generous in their donations.”

But not all giving has to be done by formal donations. Even loose change can make a difference, and that is why The Salvation Army started its Christmas kettle drive Nov. 14. Rowland said there are about nine permanent locations for the organization's bell-ringers.

“The closer we get to Christmas, the later we will be out,” Rowland said. “Right now they are ending about 5:30 or 6 p.m., but closer to Christmas they will be ending around 8 p.m. as the stores get more busy.”

- Contact Michael Peterson at 725-5136 extension 223 or mpetersonarguspress@gmail.com.

Comment on this Story

thebaglady1959 wrote on Dec 4, 2008 5:38 AM:

" When I read artical's like this one, it touches the very core of my being, To the point that I feel I need to speak up. I use to belong to one of the Lion's Club in Shiaw. County. They do excelent work, with the blind and reading programs, seeing eye dogs and glasses and so forth. But I also happen to know for a fact that one Lion's club has well enough funds that they could and should put more funds into Shiaw. County. To help Feed some of these people. They have more then enough funds that they could open at least 2 or 3 soup and sandwhich place's at least 3 times a week, during the winter to help the very same people who give donations to them every year. And if that club is reading this, then they know I am talking about them. They could do much more then what they do for the communities them selfs. I donate in many ways myself and I am not even a middle class person, I am not poor and I will never be rich. But my heart is in the right place. Have a Great Day. "

BOB wrote on Dec 1, 2008 11:29 PM:

" Nice job Mr. Peterson. It's always a pleasure to read your work. "