Poll:
Will you be giving more or less to charity this year?
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Indiana charities are hoping donations will pick up this holiday season to meet the skyrocketing demand for help during the slumping economy.
Organizations say many of the people seeking help this year have never asked for assistance before. Charities have reported increased requests for help with rent, utility costs, food and other services.
United Way of Central Indiana President and CEO Ellen Annala says more than 60 percent of people seeking help through the charity's special economic relief fund are first time applicants.
Many groups are reporting steady overall donations so far this year, but some corporate giving has declined as businesses struggle during the recession. Officials hope donations increase during the holidays.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
