By Laura Forbes - bio | email | Twitter
Posted by Rachel Folz - email
EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) - Despite indications the economy is improving, charities are still facing tough times.
14 News helped kick off the Salvation Army's War on Hunger on Friday.
It was a success, but they can still use more help.
Volunteers sort cans, boxes, and bags of food collected for the War on Hunger.
In addition to food, thousands of dollars in cash were donated.
Amy Kroeger from the Salvation Army says the need for assistance has skyrocketed.
"There's been a 227 percent increase since 2007 we've seen in our soup kitchen and in our food pantry," Kroeger says.
She says nearly a third of the people who need help have never asked before.
"Oh it is so hard for them," Kroeger says. "I mean it is very humbling, but they're not going to let their kids go hungry. They'll do what they have to do to put food on the table."
Requests aren't just for food assistance.
Kroeger says the calls pour in for people wanting help with utilities, water and rent.
She says that it is impossible to help that many people but food donations help get people back on their feet.
The Salvation Army says donations of cash or checks are most useful, because they can buy food at a deeper discount.
