Charities in need

Difficult economic times strain local entities

By Jenny Lancour

ESCANABA - Because of the increasing difficult economic times, local charities are anticipating there will be a greater demand this holiday season for donations of money, toys and food for the needy.

The number of people in need is definitely higher compared to this time last year, said Maj. Bill Cox of the Salvation Army in Escanaba. About 400 more people have applied for assistance.

"Right now, what we're fighting is the economy," Cox said. "It's mainly the working, trying to make ends meet, pay rent, pay utility bills."

It's also tough to ignore children's Christmas needs, he added.

The Salvation Army's major fund-raisers take place this time of year including its Red Kettle Drive and a major mailing asking for donations, Cox said.

The organization is hoping to raise $140,000 during this fund-raising campaign compared to last year's $125,000.

"This community will do the best they can. They always do," Cox said.

The organization expects to give about 7,000 toys to children at Christmas time this year. This compares to the 6,400 gifts distributed last year, he said, adding donations of toys and money are now needed and appreciated.

In the past, the Salvation Army has received gift donations from several sources including the Angel Tree in the Delta Plaza, Toys for Tots, Engineered Machined Products employees, the Island Resort & Casino and individual families.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society in Escanaba has also been giving out more food items than normal lately, said Dwaine Menard, food pantry worker for more than five years.

"The need just seems to be greater this year," he said, attributing the increased demand to such factors as higher unemployment and insufficient wages for those who are working.

"Donations are coming in to the food pantry. I just don't know how long they will last," Menard said. A major can drive going on in the area this week will help stock the shelves, he said. When the shelves get low, more food will be purchased somehow, he said.

"We're going to get food to the people," Menard said.

On Dec. 19, the St. Vincent de Paul Society plans to give away 450 holiday food baskets for the needy, he said. The organization also provides people with funding to help pay for heating and other needed assistance.

Donations of toys and cash are now being received in support of the Marine Corps League's annual Toys for Tots Drive, the group's major project for the year, said Jerry Hausmann, program coordinator for Delta County.

Earlier this month, members placed toy donation boxes at several locations including businesses in Escanaba, Gladstone and Rapid River. Monetary donations have also been received, he said. Cash raised is used to buy toys and gifts for children served by the cause.

"We served 1,300 last year. I'm anticipating that to be higher this year," Hausmann said.

Based on the number and ages of children in need, the toys and gifts are distributed to local organizations like the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul and some area churches, he said.

This year the Marine Corps League is also selling candy bars as a fund-raiser. The bars were made at Sayklly's Candies in Escanaba. Monies raised will buy toys and support area libraries and other educational needs, Hausmann said.