U.S. Food Shortage Illustrates Importance of Charitable Donations

Rockford, Illinois, has been one of the hardest-hit cities in the U.S. by the current economic crisis. With a large number of residents no longer eligible for unemployment benefits, the official unemployment rate of 23% is rather misleading. That is why places such as the Rockford Rescue Mission - which serves homeless people 3 meals per day at no charge to them and help them find training and jobs, are seeing almost twice as many people in need as they saw in previous years.

This dramatic increase has resulted in many of the local food pantries running out of food to distribute, and a general need to obtain nationwide help. While the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays have given short term relief to this problem with the traditional food raising drives. The local TV station WTVO channel 17 has realized the problem, and in response, it ran a telethon on January 13, 2009.

I just learned of this drive myself, and having seen the food banks shut down before Thanksgiving, and the general local economy and circumstances I came to the realization that unless something dramatic is done the reality of losing our food banks that so many depend on is just around the corner. And by the time the average American needs them they will not be there anymore.

While Rockford may be among the first and worst hit, all are being negatively affected by this economy. They have fewer people able to donate as well as an increased demand for donations. That is why we as a people have to step up to the plate and help each other if we are going to survive this economic downturn and come out the other end a stronger and better nation where other nations have degenerated into civil war.

The Rockford Rescue Mission Telethon will probably be over and done by the time you read this but they still will be accepting donations at their Web site "rockfordrescuemission.org." Any help you can offer this area is greatly appreciated as they have been hit very hard this year and last.

If you can help financially Rockford is one of the areas of greatest need. For those of you unable to help financially there is still a great need for help with the preparation and distribution of food as well as maintenance of facilities and all the clerical work that goes into the daily operation. And if anyone has any food just sitting around Please don't let it go to waste. Take it to your local pantry where it will be put to good use to help strengthen our nation and its food supply.