Bee reports "Nonprofits pleasantly surprised by donations in tough economy"

In a report today by Cynthia Hubert, the Sacramento Bee reporter who regularly writes on poverty issues, we're told many charities in our metropolis are getting a good flow of cash and other donations in these tough economic times.

Hubert's article follows in the wake of a letter Joan Burke, the Director of Advocacy at Loaves & Fishes, sent to donors and others subscribed to a L&F email list saying that contributions of in-kind articles -- hats, coats, socks, gloves, etc. -- are way up over last year, and that cash contributions are on a par with those that came in in 2007. [See the SacHo post from yesterday "Loaves & Fishes Reports Financial Support is the Same as Last Year ."

In addition to Loaves & Fishes, Hubert cites the cashflow for River Oak Center for Children, a bounty of turkeys given to Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, and pledges to Capital Region United Way as indicators of charities' happy good fortune this holiday season.

In sharp contrast, Diogenes Youth Services reports that contributions there are down "50 percent to 60 percent" this year.

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Loaves & Fishes implicates Buddhism and Jack Kornfield in its June Donations Plea.

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