Economic woes hit food banks
(OK, this is not politically related – it’s for a class. Stay with me here. There is plenty more on politics to come, I promise!)
Reports across the nation show that demand for assistance from charitable organizations is on the rise, but donations are on the decline. There are concerns that the gap between the demand and the amount of donations could continue to widen. Some analysts believe that part of the reason for the trend could be that people’s “charitable instincts” may be drained due to the high amount of need. Many others agree that the economy is the main factor.
In Grand Ledge, a city of about 8,000 people on the western edge of Lansing, the story of increasing demand is no different, but the assistance programs have been able to stay open despite the tough economic times.
Hearing the facts about what’s happening in Grand Ledge didn’t surprise me. It’s a small, middle-class city that has been hit hard by the poor economy, but I think that’s exactly what brings so many of the people in the community to continue giving.
Money is tight for everyone right now, but I hope that those who are able to spare even a little to help out continue to do so. If everyone gives what they can, it adds up to a lot.