Donations to Nebraska charities are down across the state and because of the current state of the economy. The problem may be part of a cycle that won't be a quick fix.

This year, donations aren't piling up at the Hastings Salvation Army.

"Last year we gave out 350 backpacks. We have about 200 backpacks in custody now," said Abe Tamayo, Hastings Salvation Army Major.

It's hurting an annual back to school drive Nicole Kaus and her family depend on.

"Thank god for the church, because at times we'd be lost without them. Their father is diabetic and without insurance, so our finances get kind of crunched," said Nicole Kaus, Hastings.

Officials at charities across the state say people have less money in their pockets to give.

In Lincoln, Tamayo calls this a critical year. Staff there and back in Hastings are seeing the effects of high gas and good prices.

"You can imagine the inflationary effect has an affect on families with limited or low income, and we see how it affects people who are of means who normally give but aren't able to," Tamayo said.

Another problem is more people are coming through the salvation army's doors in need.

"First time clientele coming through just can't make ends meet. They would never come otherwise," Tamayo said.

And it's those who are already feeling the pain of a slow economy that will take the hit again if donations don't come in.

"The families who can not afford to purchase these things are the ones that will suffer the consequences," he said.

The Salvation Army's operating costs are also going up.

Salvation Army Contacts
Hastings 402-463-0529
Grand Island 308-382-4855
Lincoln 402-474-6263
Kearney 308-234-9998
Omaha 402-898-5900