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Requests for aid up for Salvation Army, other organizations

Salvation Army Maj. Tom Duperree is seen with some of the kettles that will be pressed into service on Friday, Nov. 20, when the organization's red kettle fund-raising campaign begins. Staff photo by Chris Stewart

Chris Stewart/Dayton Daily News Staff Photogra Salvation Army Maj. Tom Duperree is seen with some of the kettles that will be pressed into service on Friday, Nov. 20, when the organization's red kettle fund-raising campaign begins. Staff photo by Chris Stewart

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By Margo Rutledge Kissell, Staff Writer 7:59 PM Thursday, November 19, 2009

Salvation Army officials say 5,576 families have requested Christmas food assistance, 845 more families than last year.

As it gears up to kick off its red kettle campaign today, Nov. 20, the charity and others in the area are bracing for what could be a tough season for year-end giving because of the feeble economy.

The Salvation Army has to raise about $800,000 by the end of December primarily through the kettles and mail appeals to provide help at Christmas and deliver other services offering help to the needy throughout the year.

“Giving is really just flat,” Major Tom Duperree said. “We’re maintaining but we haven’t seen that increase because it’s hard on everybody.”

Bell ringers will be at more area store locations this year because some major corporations — including Macy’s, J.C. Penney, Big Lots and Discount Drug Mart — have opened their doors.

Local fund-raising challenges mirror a national trend. The nation’s 400 biggest charities expect giving to drop by a median of 9 percent this year, according to a survey by the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

At the Foodbank, which provides food to 104 pantries, shelters, community kitchens and Kids Cafe programs locally, donations from canned food drives dropped from 28,000 pounds in October 2008 to just 8,000 last month.

The decrease comes as requests for food have increased dramatically. The agency distributed 3.8 million pounds of food during the fiscal year ending June 30 — about 700,000 pounds more than the previous fiscal year.

Officials there are counting on the Valley Food Relief campaign, which brought in a record $389,763.81 last year.

“We are holding our breath, hoping the campaign is anywhere near where it was last year,” said Linda Roepken, associate executive officer.

United Way of the Greater Dayton Area President Allen Elijah has attended about 75 campaign kickoffs at area businesses to promote the annual fund-raiser that supports 78 agencies.

Some campaigns are “trending down primarily because of staff reductions” while others are doing well, he said.

“We are too soon in the race to call how this thing is going to come out,” Elijah said.

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Squirrlygirl,
It sounds as if you don't think that natural born Americans ever break the law. Sorry, I don't think you're worth responding to.

Liska
2:52 PM, 11/20/2009

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I donated to the Salvation Army for many years. As of recent have stopped completely due to how the donations are being distributed.

The news reported, the Salvation Army is giving out Kroger gift cards to families in need. Nice and all, but it allows those who already get gov asst, rec'v free money. What happened to giving them actual food donations for the holidays? Those who normally dont accept free hand outs are the ones that need it the most. Free money causes too many hands to feed.

Bev
2:44 PM, 11/20/2009

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Leon, it is too expensive to round up all illegal immigrants and deport them. There are at least 12 million illegal immigrants or more. The idea is unrealistic. So we have to address this issue from a different stance. Anyway, if a non-governmental agency can help put food into the belly of starving people, I do not have an objection. Jesus said that what you do to the very least of you, you do unto me.

me
2:29 PM, 11/20/2009

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Liska--Illegal immigrant problem is not a "paperwork" problem, it is a criminal problem. They bust into our country illegally. Some of them come here and join gangs and create havoc. Some of them rape, plunder, and kill our citizens. They don't pay taxes. They steal citizens' SSAN's and are responsible for most of the identity theft. They ruin our lives, sucking the life out of our country. They march for rights for which they aren't entitled. They contribute to voter registration and fraud!

Squirrellygirl
1:31 PM, 11/20/2009

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Hi Simone,
Because the article we were addressing was about charitible organizations and their supply/demand situation, I was assuming that's what kind of aid we were talking about.
I look at those around me who say "I'm not giving up one tiny bit of my slice of the pie"(whether it was earned or by birth-right)to help anyone else, and I am disheartened at their shortsightedness and inhumane attitude.

Liska
1:26 PM, 11/20/2009

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