'Tis the season for giving, but a growing number of San Diego County residents are in need of receiving.
Jennifer Gilmore, executive director with Feeding America San Diego, said several regular donors have contacted her to say they’re unable to help this year.
“In fact, I had a letter from a gentlemen who’s 94 years old. He has given regularly every year and this year he sent me a note asking for assistance,” said Gilmore.
Even if the charity doubled the amount of food on their shelves, Gilmore said they would still run short.
“Four years ago we distributed 3 million pounds of food and we felt really good about that. This year we expect to distribute 18 million pounds of food and we feel that it’s not even close to being enough,” she said.
Toys for Tots is also anticipating a higher demand. More than 107,000 San Diego County children were given toys last year. Coordinator Lt. Justin West said this year will be challenging.
“Because of the economy and the financial picture for a lot of people, it probably will be a little tougher to donate,” said West.
Recent poverty numbers show a third of all county residents are living in economic hardship.
