Food bank's shelves empty

Local charities struggle during tough economy

by Chuck Slothower
Herald Staff Writer

Article Last Updated; Saturday, November 22, 2008 6:35AM

Durango charities are struggling this holiday season with a drop in donations as donors face the effects of an economic slowdown.

"The shelves are literally bare," said Sarah Smith, director of the Durango Food Bank. "I can't say that I've ever seen them this way."

Smith said she was concerned about the food bank's resources going into the holiday season, when it needs double. Donors have become scarce.

"The money that they would give to us, they're having to spend that money on feeding their own families," she said.

Smith hoped a "Stuff the Bus" food donation event planned for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Wal-Mart would help.

United Way of Southwest Colorado, a prominent charity that will give to 80 nonprofit organizations in 2009, also has seen a drop in donations.

"In a nutshell, there's less funding and more need," said Tim Walsworth, president and chief executive officer.

Walsworth said family budgets are being squeezed, creating more need, while at the same time businesses, foundations and individuals are less able to give.

As of Nov. 11, United Way had raised $330,000 toward a goal of $760,000.

"So we've got a ways to go," Walsworth said.

At about the same time last year, United Way had raised $370,000.

United Way raises two-thirds of its money through automatic payroll deductions and employer matches, so it may be less sensitive to economic shifts than other charities, Walsworth said.

John Gamble, director of Volunteers of America Durango Community Shelter and Southwest Safe House, said, "I think all of the nonprofits in our community are struggling right now."

However, people continue to give what they can, he said.

"In these hard times, Durango and Southwest Colorado continues to be the most generous and caring community we could ever wish for," he said.

Some donors are scaling back their contributions rather than stopping them altogether, Gamble said. One regular donor recently gave half of what he usually does.

Al Spungen, president of Manna Soup Kitchen, said food donations have continued to pour in, including more than 100 turkeys. The holiday season is critical for his organization, as it is for many charities.

"We do our best - if you want to call it business - in November or December, and then it just plummets," he said. "But we're doing great so far."

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