As the economy remains at the forefront of national concern, another sector finds itself in dire need without

any option of a governmental bailout.

Area non-profit organizations, and throughout the rest of the country, face a dire problem as they approach what is usually their best month for donations: Funding sources are dropping while the number of clients in need has greatly increased.

State and federal grants and funding is unavailable, with legislators forced to cut extraneous programs due to fewer tax dollars. In addition, private donations are also down as families struggle to keep afloat during tough times.

“We have certainly seen a sizeable increase in clients,” executive director of the Health and Hunger Coalition Compton Fortuna said. “Last month we had 111 more clients just for the food pantry alone. The new clients more than double what we normally see in a month.”

The coalition is only one of the numerous organizations that have found less money to work with but more people emerging in desperate need.

Members of the High Country Women’s Fund have noted this increasingly critical situation during their monthly meetings with local non-profits and have developed a strategy to help community members alleviate some of the burdens of charitable organizations around the upcoming holiday season.

The HCWF has compiled a list of inexpensive items that would be the most beneficial to each non-profit organization.

“We don’t need Washington’s approval, everyone can help social change,” member Mary Jo Grubbs said. “We can do a lot here with very little effort, and we can make a huge difference this winter.”

Grubbs and other women are hoping to encourage everyone who can help to do so by brainstorming creative solutions that will work according to individual’s economic ability. Although citizens may want to help, Grubbs is afraid that the inability to write a hefty check is discouraging any level of donation.

“People can donate blankets from their linen closet; buy two-for-one paper products at the store. We can be really creative here,” she said.

“Donations supplement things we can purchase from the Second Harvest food bank and other sources. We can often purchase a lot of a very few items so the donations we receive from the community really help increase the nutritional value of the boxes and extend their usefulness for families in need,” Fortuna said.

“For example, we can buy 100 cases of peanut butter but no jelly, so what good is two jars of peanut butter in your food box if you don’t have any bread or jelly?”

Donations can be dropped off at the offices of the agencies, or by calling the women’s fund at (828) 264-4007. Other donation and volunteer opportunities are listed on the organization’s individual Web sites.

Agency Name Current Needs Contact Information
WeCAN/ Hospitality House Funds for fuel assistance, hygiene products, pantry staples (coffee, sugar, etc.), blankets, sleeping bags, thermal underwear, wool socks, jackets, hats and gloves, weatherization materials (weather stripping, door covers, etc.) 828.264.1237

Health Department Cribs, pack ‘n plays, baby clothes, diapers, maternity clothes, breast pumps, bottles, nursing pads Call Trish or Sarah at 828.264.6635

Children’s Council Office supplies, coffee, cream, children’s books and toys, sanitary supplies 828.262.5424

Oasis Coats, boots, long underwear, diapers, sanitary items, office supplies 828.264.1532

Family Solutions Recovery House Household items (paper products, cleaning supplies), feminine needs, school supplies, coffee, creamer 828.262.0220

W.A.M.Y. Community Action Household supplies (dish soap, laundry soap, shampoo/conditioner), office supplies, portable heater (UL approved) 828.264.2421

Hunger Coalition Canned goods, frozen foods, meats, toiletries 828.262.1628