Posted on: Thursday, November 22, 2001

Editorial
Charity: greater need, diminishing resources

Hard times? For some of us, certainly. But when most of us push our chairs back from our big Thanksgiving dinner today, it's unlikely that our thoughts will be with those who line up for meals in the little park at the corner of Hotel and Bethel streets or at the River of Life Mission on Pauahi Street.

But as a story by Advertiser staff writer Michael Tsai made painfully clear yesterday, the sinking economy plus new welfare rules mean that demand for such services is increasing quickly — even as support for these services is diminishing.

Irv Lauber is in a tough business. As president of Aloha United Way, he knows he will never see a year that produces enough resources for charities. They do the best they can with what they have.

AUW had a tough time making its $13.6 million fund-raising goal this year; it took a last-minute, million-dollar gift to put it over the top. Yet, says Lauber, $20 million wouldn't be enough properly to support each of the 65 AUW agencies.

Corporations, trusts and foundations, and individuals all are finding reasons why this year's giving must be a bit less than last year's.

But this year's need clearly is greater — and growing at an alarming clip.

There are many ways to help without chipping in cash — volunteering, for instance, or donating used clothing and household goods.

But if you can help monetarily, we remind you that The Advertiser Christmas Fund kicks off Sunday. See you then.