Contributions Down, Demand Up

By Chris Wright, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The economic woes are creating all sorts of problems for local charities. They say contributions are down, while demand for their help is up.

Food banks have been hit particularly hard. They say they've already been struggling for the past year and the turmoil on Wall Street has only made things worse.

Donations aren't exactly pouring in to the Eastern Oklahoma Food Bank these days. Officials say the drop-off couldn't have come at a worse time.

"Probably our biggest fear right now is increasing demand," said Carol Foley of the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

Combine that rising demand with decreased donations, and Carol Foley says you've got a problem, one that could continue to worsen along with the economy.

"I think people are afraid, people have lost their jobs, people have had an increase in their expenses," said Foley.

Now while it may look like there's plenty of food at the food bank, there's about two million pounds as we speak, if they don't get anymore new donations, this will all disappear in about three months.

While the Community Food Bank certainly doesn't envision that happening, it can no longer solely rely on donations. Over the past year, the food bank has started to buy some of the food itself. That's something it has never had to do before.

"People that maybe were able to give more in years past are probably going to be a little bit more afraid to give, or a little less able to give," said Foley.

Still, the Food Bank is confident it can turn things around. Foley says she usually sees a spike in donations during the holidays, and she believes Oklahomans will help each other get through this crisis.

"Every little bit of that helps, and we count on the people of Oklahoma to make the difference," said Foley.