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Berwyn, IL —
There is no getting around the fact that the recession has taken its toll on almost everyone.
The national unemployment rate surpassed 10 percent this year. And many people who haven’t already lost their jobs are worried they may be next — which has slowed consumer spending to a trickle.
The anemic economic growth coupled with the credit crunch have made it difficult for numerous Americans to make ends meet. This has struck social service organizations doubly hard: The demand for what they offer has increased as contributions to these groups have decreased.
The revenue drain these groups are experiencing has been due not only to dwindling contributions from residents struggling to pay their bills but also to the state’s huge budget crisis. Illinois lawmakers have wrestled with how to plug a deficit of $9 billion, and social service agencies have been severely affected.
The situation has stretched the resources of these organizations to the limit, and it’s time for people who can donate to do it. At the very least, this may help these groups shut their books closer to their financial goals this year. Plus, any donations could be valuable tax deductions for 2009.
Here are some local organizations that could use assistance:
• Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center, 9649 W. 55th St. in Countryside.
• Seguin Services Inc., 3100 S. Central Ave. in Cicero.
• Goodwill Industries, 1900 S. Harlem Ave. in North Riverside.
• Salvation Army Cicero-Templo Laramie Corps, 2337 S. Laramie Ave. in Cicero.
• Second Baptist Church of La Grange Food Pantry, 26 S. Washington Ave. in La Grange.
• Cicero-Berwyn-Stickney Anti-Hunger Foundation, 4836 W. 13th St. in Cicero.
• Cicero-Berwyn-Stickney Anti-Hunger Foundation II, St. Mary of Celle Food Pantry, 1428 S. Wesley Ave. in Berwyn.
• St. Francis Xavier Food Pantry, 124 N. Spring St. in La Grange.
As a culture, generous Americans have always given their talents and resources to those in need, and this recession has been no exception. We urge those who can to continue the necessary assistance to groups such as these.
Because it’s not merely strangers who need help. It’s our neighbors.
There is no getting around the fact that the recession has taken its toll on almost everyone.
The national unemployment rate surpassed 10 percent this year. And many people who haven’t already lost their jobs are worried they may be next — which has slowed consumer spending to a trickle.
The anemic economic growth coupled with the credit crunch have made it difficult for numerous Americans to make ends meet. This has struck social service organizations doubly hard: The demand for what they offer has increased as contributions to these groups have decreased.
The revenue drain these groups are experiencing has been due not only to dwindling contributions from residents struggling to pay their bills but also to the state’s huge budget crisis. Illinois lawmakers have wrestled with how to plug a deficit of $9 billion, and social service agencies have been severely affected.
The situation has stretched the resources of these organizations to the limit, and it’s time for people who can donate to do it. At the very least, this may help these groups shut their books closer to their financial goals this year. Plus, any donations could be valuable tax deductions for 2009.
Here are some local organizations that could use assistance:
• Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center, 9649 W. 55th St. in Countryside.
• Seguin Services Inc., 3100 S. Central Ave. in Cicero.
• Goodwill Industries, 1900 S. Harlem Ave. in North Riverside.
• Salvation Army Cicero-Templo Laramie Corps, 2337 S. Laramie Ave. in Cicero.
• Second Baptist Church of La Grange Food Pantry, 26 S. Washington Ave. in La Grange.
• Cicero-Berwyn-Stickney Anti-Hunger Foundation, 4836 W. 13th St. in Cicero.
• Cicero-Berwyn-Stickney Anti-Hunger Foundation II, St. Mary of Celle Food Pantry, 1428 S. Wesley Ave. in Berwyn.
• St. Francis Xavier Food Pantry, 124 N. Spring St. in La Grange.
As a culture, generous Americans have always given their talents and resources to those in need, and this recession has been no exception. We urge those who can to continue the necessary assistance to groups such as these.
Because it’s not merely strangers who need help. It’s our neighbors.
