 Wed, Nov 19, 2008 03:29 PM
| 2005-10-13 |
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2007-12-20  Golden News | First months of the year bring greatest challenges to charities
Jeffco Action Center faces additional challenge with food donations dropping by 50 percent
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| | By Megan Quinn | | |
December 20, 2007
Christmas may be just days away, but officials at local shelters and nonprofits say it's never too late to take donations.
In fact, the need for donations is higher after the holiday season, they claim.
The rising need for canned goods and clothing for the cold winter months means even last-second donations will make an impact when setting aside reserve supplies to make it through January and February.
That may not be enough for one local agency.
In 2007, the Jeffco Action Center in Lakewood saw a 9-percent increase in need for canned goods and other pre-prepared food, making its resources thinner than usual.
"This year, we're noticing a troubling trend. Our food donations are down by 50 percent," said Mag Strittmatter, the center's executive director.
The center, which provides services to Jefferson County residents who are in danger of becoming homeless or attempting to move out of homelessness, distributes about two tons of food daily, Strittmatter said.
Although the Jeffco Action Center hasn't seen a decrease in monetary donations, most of those donations have been used to buy food to keep up with the food bank decrease.
Strittmatter worries the decrease in food donations will put a strain on other programs and operation costs. As it is now, the center is behind on stocking up for months when people naturally donate less.
"People are hungry every day," Strittmatter said. "We are so grateful for what people drop off to us."
The holiday donating rush isn't unique to the Jeffco Action Center. Most nonprofits plan to pad thinner months with money or donations made during the holiday season, said Steve Harrell, a spokesperson for Family Tree, a Wheat Ridge-based nonprofit that provides services and shelter to victims of child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness.
"January is a down period for a lot of nonprofits because there is so much going on in November and December," he said. "People are pulled in a lot of different sides, and people need a break."
Family Tree hasn't felt the same decline in donations that has impacted the Jeffco Action Center, but that doesn't mean the need isn't there, Harrell said.
"Our supporters are consistent, and we can always count on them," Harrell said. "But we can always find something for people to do. We can always use volunteers."
The holidays are hectic even for groups who donate and volunteer year-round.
Floyd Sasa, a member of the Golden Rotary, said the holidays are the easiest time to volunteer and donate because people are in the spirit of giving.
"But for us, that's what we do year-round. We're that kind of organization," Sasa said.
The Golden Rotary's holiday project was packing more than 250 boxes of food this month for the Christian Action Guild and the Canyon Gate senior living apartments. The group of about 60 members collects food for the Christian Action Guild weekly.
"It always seems like Christmas is the time when everyone does this. But there's always something else going on," Sasa said.
Golden Community Editor Megan Quinn can be reached at 303-279-5541. ext. 238.
HOW TO HELP
• The Jeffco Action Center accepts food, clothing and household goods. Donate weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the dock on the east side of the center, 8755 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood. The dock has extended drop-off hours from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays. To find out the center's specific immediate needs, visit www.jeffcoac.org or call 303-237-7704.
• Family Tree offers volunteer opportunities for those interested. To find ways to help victims of child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness, visit thefamilytree.org or call 303-422-2133.
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