Fundraising – Food Pantries and Shelters are in Need of Donations

The holiday season is fast approaching. A time when many nonprofit organizations will be feeding needy families. Food pantries throughout the country will be collecting donations of food and money for their programs. Every year the message is “the need is great” and this year is no different.

The economic situation in the United States presents a challenge to nonprofit organizations that feed the hungry. The New York Times has reported that since June of this year the demand for food aid has increased 20 percent in areas of the country with strong economies and in areas with weak economies the demand is up more than 40 percent.

In addition to more people needing to be fed by soup kitchens and food pantries, animal shelters throughout the country are reporting that they are receiving more animals. Pet owners who have lost their homes due to home foreclosures have been forced to give up their pets in some instances. Donations to animal shelters are needed to help feed more animals.

Most charities that have a website also have a way to accept monetary donations online through their websites. You can donate to national charities through their websites or by sending a check. Local charities and food pantries will accept non-perishable food items as well as cash and, of course, volunteers.

We all know who the people are who are responsible for the current economic crisis in the United States. One can only hope that those who will be charged with fixing the myriad of problems they are inheriting will be successful and that next year will be a better one for Americans. In the meantime, be aware that everyone can make a difference and help fight hunger during the holidays.

A nonprofit organization that I have written about in the past is A Day of Hope. It was started by Christopher Scott in 2005. Scott collects baskets of food and turkey every year and delivers them to needy families in Stanislaus County California for Thanksgiving meals. For more information about A Day of Hope visit www.adayofhope.org.

Article by Amy Passmore of DIY Fundraising. Visit www.diyfundraising.com for do-it-yourself fundraising ideas for nonprofit organizations, clubs, schools and groups.