As the economy slows, organizations dependent on donations to serve those in need have to curtail services just when those needs become greatest.
As people tighten their belts, seasonal donations come under closer scrutiny.
There are many worthy organizations in the area - some provide food, some medical care. Other groups provide education, cultural activities, spiritual guidance and animal care.
The slowing economy isn’t necessarily a dire situation, according to The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. During good economic times, giving tends to grow robustly. However, when the economy grows at a moderate or slow rate, philanthropy continues, although at a slower rate of growth.
Most households continue to give during times of financial insecurity, but some give less compared to periods of economic prosperity and some donors become non-donors.
While a six-figure donation would always be welcome, it’s the many small donations that add up and keep many area groups afloat.
Ten local groups share what they could buy with a $50 donation. The purchases range from the fanciful to practical - birthday parties to syringes - but all are vital to the organizations’ missions.
RSVP, a volunteer program for individuals 55 years and older: $50 will buy stamps, printing of reminder cards and literature for its immunization program where volunteers visit new mothers in the hospital and provide information about required immunizations for infants. Send donations to: Hill Country Action Association, Attention Ronnie Alt, P.O. Box 846, San Saba 76877. Put RSVP program in memo area of check.
Families in Crisis operates shelters in Temple and Killeen and outreach programs for victims of domestic violence: $50 will buy two months of birthday parties, including refreshments and gifts, for children who are living in the shelters. Send donations to: Families in Crisis, P.O. Box 25, Killeen 76540.
Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity, provides decent affordable homes to low-income families who live in substandard housing: $50 will buy 10 pieces of Sheetrock, 10 gallons of paint, 25 two-by-fours, 100 pieces of floor tiling, three squares of shingles or an interior door. Send donations to: Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity, 2601 Atkinson Ave., Killeen 76543.
JAIL Ministries (Jesus Acts in Inmates Lives) has a mission to bring restoration through Jesus Christ to the lives of inmates, juvenile offenders, victims, law enforcement professionals and affected families: $50 will buy 14 Bibles and 25 Christian-themed books. Send donations to: JAIL Ministries, P.O. Box 634, Belton TX 76513.
Salvation Army is a Christian church and charity that promotes the advancement of education, the relief of poverty and other charitable programs beneficial to society and community: $50 will help pay its client’s utility bills, rent, prescriptions or go toward the cost of motel rooms for those whose homes are damaged by fire. Send donations to: Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1884, Temple TX 76503.
Temple Literacy Council volunteers tutor adults who want to improve their reading and math skills: $50 will pay for six student edition phonics books, 50 spiral notebooks for tutors and students, extra pens, stamps, eight to 10 cursive writing books for students or five student dictionaries. Send donations to: Temple Literacy Council, 100 W. Adams Ave., Temple TX 76501.
APAC, Association for Pet Adoption Center, provides financial assistance for programs and services at the Temple Animal Shelter: $50 will pay for spaying or neutering a pet of a low-income family, shots for foster dog or foster pets stay in shelter. Send donations to: APAC, P.O. Box 2351, Temple TX 76503.
Temple Community Free Clinic provides care for the working poor of Bell County - those who are not eligible for government programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, or are not eligible for the county’s indigent health care because they are either employed or retired: $50 will pay for three months of insulin for one patient; 12 100-count boxes of syringes; five diabetics meters; or 10 boxes of diabetic testing strips used to monitor blood sugar. Send donations to: Temple Community Free Clinic, P.O. Box 92, Temple TX 76503.
Temple Symphony Orchestra provides music of the highest artistic standard to a wide and diverse audience through live performances in Central Texas: $50 will pay for 17 concert programs, 10 student tickets donated to local schools, 50 concert posters, symphony telephone service for a month, 10 pieces of rental music for a symphony musician, 500 postcards to let people know a concert is scheduled, two adult tickets to be donated to a local nursing home or extended care facility or production costs for 10 TSO audio CDs. Send donations to: TSO, P.O. Box 4241, Temple TX 76505.
Area food banks provide food to families in need: $50 would feed a family of four for a week. Donations can be made to The Love of Christ Pantry, Churches Touching Lives Through Christ Pantry, St. Vincent De Paul Pantry, Salvation Army Pantry, Taylor Valley Baptist Church pantry, Children’s Protective Services Rainbow Room, Open Arms Pantry, Helping Hands Ministry.
