For many of America's social service charities, this holiday season is providing a daunting mix of heavier demand for services, reduced funding and an ever-widening range of clients seeking help as economic woes persist.
Two recent surveys convey the extent of the challenges.
According to Catholic Charities, 76 percent of the agencies in its national network are seeing an increased demand for food while 72 percent have cut operating costs. The Bridgespan Group, a Boston-based adviser to charities, said 80 percent of the 100 nonprofits responding to its latest survey are coping with funding cuts.
For the Salvation Army, the overall giving statistics aren't encouraging. Major George Hood, a national spokesman, said donations to the seasonal Red Kettle campaign are down 18 percent from a year ago in the Northeast and 8 percent to 10 percent lower in other regions, even as demand for services is up.
In the suburbs of Birmingham, Ala., the Shelby County Salvation Army is struggling to keep pace with a record number of requests for a program providing gifts for needy children.
Families have signed up about 500 children to receive presents, and 150 more are on a waiting list, program coordinator Linda Wyngarden said. So far, though, there are only donations to provide for about 450 children.
