CLEVELAND — The need is up and donations are down. Charities are being hard hit by the pandemic.
For the first time in 130 years, The Salvation Army started its annual Red Kettle campaign early. Organizers said it was to rescue Christmas.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in requests for services since March of this year due to the pandemic. Our local Corps has served 360% more requests for food and other basic services than the same period last year. And requests for rent, mortgage, utility and Christmas assistance are climbing,” said Major Steve Stoops.
March of Dimes' mission is to help moms and babies. Because of the pandemic, like charities across the country, the organization has been forced to make cuts and changes.
“We’re projecting a 30% loss in revenue this year. If you don’t have the revenue for the programs you don’t have the reach you need to have in the community and it is very concerning,” said Erin Turner, Executive Director of Market Impact for March of Dimes.
Elizabeth Michalski went into preterm labor and lost her firstborn. “I made it a couple of days but unfortunately my first son passed away at 22 weeks old, he was stillborn,” she explained.
“I heard about March of Dimes after our loss,” Michalski said. That’s when she decided to form a team of family and friends to walk in the March of Dimes, March for Babies Walk. They raised $3,000, but that was last year, before the pandemic.
“They are in the background funding these things that will help someone in a future pregnancy or after a loss,” add Michalski.
One recent report by the Charities Aid Foundation found that 96% of charities surveyed worldwide are feeling the negative impact of the pandemic.
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