Aug 16, 2008 6:35 pm US/Eastern
Md. Food Bank Pleads For Donations
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
With a struggling economy, people are pinching pennies now more than ever.
Jessica Kartalija reports it's having a direct impact on charities that rely on donations.
There are empty shelves at the Maryland Food Bank. Supplies are at an all-time low.
"This is the worst that we've ever seen, and we're not the only food bank in the country saying that. It's a national issue. There's just not enough donated food out there," said Deborah Flateman, Food Bank CEO.
They're not alone.
The Salvation Army's Baltimore offices have seen a sharp decline in the number of private donations.
They're down about $100,000.
"With the economy the way it looks, with the information the media is reporting, it appears that people are making hard choices about the charities," said Major Roger Colson.
Gas prices are through the roof and mortgage rates are at an all-time high. It makes it hard for some families to survive.
Unfortunately, people are struggling just to put gas in their car and food on their tables. So the last thing people have in mind when they're struggling is to help other people.
Still, while money is tight, charities are asking people for food or monetary donations, saying every little bit goes a long way.
"Things that are high in protein, peanut butter, tuna fish. We need canned vegetables, canned fruits," said Flateman.
They are encouraging people to realize that every nickel counts and it's all important.
Local charities stress if your budget is tight, you can always give time. They're always accepting volunteers.
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