In tough economic times those in need have charities to turn to for help, but now it's those charities who need help to keep assisting the community.
The Niles Salvation Army is seeing almost twice as many people in need this year.
"It can get overwhelming, especially when people call and we're not able to assist because we're really their last stopping place," says Cpt. Tracey Walters, The Salvation Army.
They need non-perishable food to fill empty pantry shelves... and toys.
A donor who used to supply 50 percent of their toys isn't this year.
They know it'll be a difficult holiday season.
"We expect it to get worse before it gets better that's just the way life is," she says.
The Salvation Army isn't alone.
Across Michiana, charitable organizations are seeing an increased need, while receiving less donations.
Hope Ministries can't keep up.
"Our numbers are at an all time high. We're serving more meals than and our waiting lists are longer than they have every been, so it really is a difficult time," says David Vanderven, executive director Hope Ministries.
They rely entirely on community donations to run their shelter and food kitchen.
And those donations are down 16 percent this year.
"We're not able to provide everything to everybody who comes and that's difficult. You want to help people and you want to help every person and meet every need but the reality is- we can't do it here at Hope," he says.
Charitable organizations across Michiana are in need of your donations, but they understand first hand economic times are tough.
So if you can't give money or material goods the most important gift you can give is your time.
"It does make a difference in someone's life and there's so much joy in just giving of your time and knowing that you're encouraging someone over that hump," says Walters.
However you can help charities and the less fortunate across Michiana would be grateful.
