Helping the needy is a hard job, but in a down economy things can get even tougher. Midlands organizations that help the less fortunate are finding their own fortune is running low.
Elizabeth Quakenbush has dedicated nearly eight years of her life to helping those in need.
"The need is tremendous," said Quakenbush.
However the supply is scarce. Quakenbush worked with South Carolina's Volunteers of America, until it closed it's administrative office recently. She has since moved on to the Harvest Hope Food Bank.
"The need is 100% greater than it was last year," said Quakenbush.
Another big change has to do with who's looking for help.
"Whereas we've always served the very poor., we're seeing people who have come from the middle class....people who may still have a job ," said Quakenbush.
"When one of them loses a job it creates a real crisis in that family," said Midlands United Way President Mac Bennett. "That's why we're seeing people who used to contribute to Harvest Hope Food Bank are now going to Harvest Hope Food Bank for services."
According to Bennett, several local non-profit organizations are on life support.
"We're working with them to try and provide some of those services that they did offer," said Bennett.
Like making sure no one goes hungry.
"We're trying to find every dollar that we can, under every stone that we turn," said Quakenbush. "So we are working twice as hard."
"It's really a double whammy," said Bennett. "There is more need and dollars from donors are more challenging."
But it's a challenge the non-profits are willing to take on.
The Harvest Hope Food Bank is currently working to raise money to match a $100,000 grant.
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