In hard times, charities often fare the worst

 The Salvation Army is a known helping hand for folks in need, during the holidays, disasters and year-round.

This time, it is the Army that is in need.

The New Bern chapter has issued an appeal for donations, which have dropped drastically, affecting its operations budget.

"It is really hurting us," said Capt. Jonathan Gainey. "It is a literal, realistic need."

He said the Salvation Army sends out monthly mail requests for donations and the total has dropped by more than $18,000 in the past month from totals of a year ago.

"That is hurting us overall, especially with regards to our ability to run the Army," he said. "It is not necessarily just things like the food program and helping people with other needs. It is also basic needs, like being able to pay our light bill."

Gainey said the sudden drop could be attributed to the state of the economy.

"The effects of the downturn, even though they say we are not in any kind of a recession, but definitely people are feeling  that we are, so they are probably giving less," he said. "In this situation, I would assume that is why the sharing of gifts is down."

He said the mail appeals and incoming donations have simply dried up from a year ago.

If the trend continues, he said, it could affect the paid full and part-time staff of 24 people.

"Everything gets affected," he said.

According to the New Bern chapter's annual report at the end of September 2007, the overall budget was $1.4 million, including $407,000 in public support.

Among services, the chapter assisted 2,601 people in its family program and more than 4,800 in it assistance to institutionalized people. During Christmas, 12,000 families in Craven and Pamlico counties received some type of help.

For information, call the Salvation Army at 637-2277.

The mail address is Salvation Army, P.O. Drawer E, New Bern, N.C. 28563.

Charlie Hall can be reached at 635-5667 or chall@freedomenc.com.