Local Charities Falling Short

By Ashli Sims, News On 6

TULSA, OK - It's the season to help those in need, but with the tough economic times the need is greater and some local charities are coming up short.

A few years ago, little Delilah and her mom had their pick from a number of coats, but that was then this is now.

Matt DeWeese says this year, Giles Coats for Kids is having trouble keeping up.

"Often we'll start the day off with a hundred families lined up around the building and with those type of numbers we can give away lots of coats rather quickly," said DeWeese of Catholic Charities.

He says donations at local Yale Cleaners are steady, but the number of families who walk through the doors have jumped by more than 400 over last year.

"I think overall the economy is struggling and that has a trickledown effect. And it's really hit home for a lot of people," said DeWeese.

The folks at the Salvation Army say they're also seeing an increase in demand for services. But the number of volunteer bell ringers has dropped.

"I think the perception in the community is that we have enough volunteers, that everyone ringing the bell is a volunteer but that's not true," said Sherry Whisner of the Salvation Army.

Whisner says four out of five are paid, which rings up quite a bill, $100,000 to be exact. Now, the Salvation Army is trying to cut costs, by recruiting more volunteers to join the ranks.

"It makes every contribution that we receive go that much further," said Whisner.

Don't forget Giles Coats for Kids, you can drop off a new or gently used coat at any Yale Cleaners. They'll clean it and Catholic Charities will make sure it gets to someone in need.