Tough Times Bring Out Giving Attitude

Times are tough.

There's no argument there.

And in tough times, people need more handouts. But that's a problem, because tough times also mean that faithful donors are pinching pennies, too.

Or so the theory goes.

While there is evidence that donations are on the decline, operators of local charities have noticed that tough times bring out the best in people, too.

Take River of Life Church, for example.

The Rev. Dan Strength and his congregation fed more than 200 people at a Thanksgiving dinner this Saturday. They also distributed 78 turkeys and 61 food baskets. Not bad for a first year's efforts.

Strength says people are setting their priorities in this lean year and helping others is obviously at the top of the list. People are making sacrifices for others because it's just that important, he said.

"We can't wait for someone else to do it," he said.

A similar scenario is playing out at the Rising Sun Cafe in Brooksville. Owners John and Lisa Callea also feed the hungry once a week through a nonprofit called Love Your Neighbor.

It goes like this: Someone approaches the register and says, "I heard you guys give away food." They plop down a donation.

Then the person behind them approaches the register and says, "I heard you guys give away food." They need a meal.

The pantry supplying the 300 plus meals they give away on Sundays at the American Legion Post 99 stays full, if not packed. That can partly be attributed to the time of the year, when people are more inclined to be aware of their blessings, Lisa Callea said.

But the same can be said with a worsening economy.

"People start to realize what they have in excess," Callea said. "It's just one of those things."

Unfortunately, things are not faring as well for our four-legged friends. The Humane Society of the Nature Coast is feeling the full effect of a sour economy.

Letters from faithful donors are coming in a regular basis expressing that they regretfully can no longer supply money to the shelter, said Joann Schoch, executive director.

"They can't make ends meet," Schoch said.

The same could be said about the shelter. Veterinary bills are mounting and operating expenses continue to climb. At the same time, more people are giving away their pets because they can no longer afford them. Folks having trouble feeding their animals can visit the food bank at the shelter, but, again, that takes donations to stock.

Unlike a business, which can cut staff or inventory, a nonprofit organization is limited in its cost-saving options, Schoch said.

Regardless of the financial crisis, the shelter is planning an ambitious building program to accommodate the growing number of animals.

"We're not going to let the economy discourage us, because the need is there," Schoch said.