Hard times reduce giving : DeSoto : Memphis Commercial Appeal

Hard times reduce giving : DeSoto : Memphis Commercial Appeal: "Hard times reduce giving
Donations dip as pleas for assistance increase

By Emily Wagster Pettus
Associated Press
Saturday, November 29, 2008

JACKSON -- The tight national economy is squeezing some charities in Mississippi, a state that has long struggled with low-wage jobs and generations of families living in poverty.

From the northeastern hill country to the Gulf Coast, leaders of several religious and community-service groups say donations are down even as requests for help are up."