Local Charities Seeing A Decrease In Donations Closer To Holidays
By: Casie Mason
Updated: December 22, 2012
During the holidays it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the shopping season, but there are people in our area whose Christmas isn't looking so bright. The organizations who normally help them out, are needing some help of their own.
One of the greatest gifts you can give this Christmas is the gift of giving back. With an economy that's still far from perfect, it can be hard to spare the change, but some local charities say a few dollars can make a big difference.
Sometimes the best gifts are not found under the tree. Local charities like the Evansville Easter Seals say it's important to give back, even during the holiday rush. "About one out of four Tri-State families will eventually need Easter Seals," says Easter Seals Community Relations Director. Lately many of these organizations are struggling. United Way reported reaching around only eighty one percent of their financial goal this year.
"I do think it is a little bit tougher for charities to get to their goals these days. The need is just so great. There is just some worthwhile causes and so many people who do need assistance. This year we did have to extend our raffle sales a little longer than we typically would to get to our goal." When these organizations reach their goals people like Ali Shanks reach them too. "Easter Seals is really helping me to where I will be able to reach my goals," says Ali.
The Shanks are just one of the family's who lives have changed because of someone else's spare change. "I think that this time of year things do get lost a little. The real importance of what Christmas is and different things. It would mean more to me if someone made a donation on Ali's behalf to Easter Seals then it would be to get presents," says Ali's mom Peggy. "We hope people will not only be that generous again and not only come out and see this event, but maybe they will have an extra dollar or two they can add to make sure someone like Ali gets the therapy they need." Remembering others is not found in a box with a bow, but rather one dollar changing one life. "Remember Easter Seals and all the other charities too during the holidays really make that giving part of your tradition," says Kirk.
The Easter Seals raised over onehunder forty thousand last year to help Tri-State families. They hope to match that this year. If you would like to donate you can go online to eastersealswinindiana.com
One of the greatest gifts you can give this Christmas is the gift of giving back. With an economy that's still far from perfect, it can be hard to spare the change, but some local charities say a few dollars can make a big difference.
Sometimes the best gifts are not found under the tree. Local charities like the Evansville Easter Seals say it's important to give back, even during the holiday rush. "About one out of four Tri-State families will eventually need Easter Seals," says Easter Seals Community Relations Director. Lately many of these organizations are struggling. United Way reported reaching around only eighty one percent of their financial goal this year.
"I do think it is a little bit tougher for charities to get to their goals these days. The need is just so great. There is just some worthwhile causes and so many people who do need assistance. This year we did have to extend our raffle sales a little longer than we typically would to get to our goal." When these organizations reach their goals people like Ali Shanks reach them too. "Easter Seals is really helping me to where I will be able to reach my goals," says Ali.
The Shanks are just one of the family's who lives have changed because of someone else's spare change. "I think that this time of year things do get lost a little. The real importance of what Christmas is and different things. It would mean more to me if someone made a donation on Ali's behalf to Easter Seals then it would be to get presents," says Ali's mom Peggy. "We hope people will not only be that generous again and not only come out and see this event, but maybe they will have an extra dollar or two they can add to make sure someone like Ali gets the therapy they need." Remembering others is not found in a box with a bow, but rather one dollar changing one life. "Remember Easter Seals and all the other charities too during the holidays really make that giving part of your tradition," says Kirk.
The Easter Seals raised over onehunder forty thousand last year to help Tri-State families. They hope to match that this year. If you would like to donate you can go online to eastersealswinindiana.com
