Due to the state of the slumping economy, several local charities have noticed a decrease in the amount of donations they have received within the last year.

"We noticed a big decrease during our Christmas campaign," said Captain Robert Buttrey of the Salvation Army.

Buttrey said the Christmas campaign is the biggest fundraiser of the year. He said donations were down about $40,000 during last year's campaign.

During the 2007-2008 fiscal year, total income for the Manhattan Salvation Army was $460,717 and during the 2008-2009 fiscal year the Salvation Army's total income was $293,075.

The Salvation Army is totally self-supporting. According to Buttrey, the Salvation Army's social service office provides assistance to those in need through various financial assistance programs. They also serve as a bible-based Christian Church. Operation costs for the organization have remained stable, despite the decline in income.

Though the donation shortfall was fairly immediate during the Christmas, Buttrey said monetary donations have picked up. This year's Easter mail appeal, a letter donation drive, raised more than last year's and more customers are shopping at the Salvations Army's thrift store.

"I'm a little nervous about what next year holds," Buttrey said.

The Riley County United Way has also seen a drop in the amount of donations it received within the last year.

"We did see a decline in the amount given by donors but not the amount of donors," said Dianne Paukstelis, Executive Director of the Riley County United Way. "Nationally, the United Way saw a 7 to 8 percent decrease in giving in the Fall 2008 Campaign for 2009."

According to Paukstelis, the agencies that are funded by the United Way are asking for a 21 percent increase on average. She said she does not anticipate the United Way will be able to match that much demand.

The United Way relies on corporate sponsorships for most of its funding. Paukstelis said she is worried the United Way's campaign for 2010 will not be as successful as the one for 2009.

"I've had a little trouble securing corporate sponsorships for the United Way events and materials," Paukstelis said. "It's not just me; I've heard other agencies in the area are also having trouble securing sponsorships for this spring."

Manhattan Salvation Army's Total Income

2006-2007

$414,349 2007-2008

$460,717 2008-2009

$293,075

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