Need for Charitable Giving Increases, Along with Retail Sales

Article written by guest blogger Melissa Long

With these tough economic times, more than just our wallets are suffering; but also the stomachs of the hungry, the hearts of the forsaken, and the minds of the uneducated. Now, more than ever we need to do what we can to help needy charities. Why not buy a little something for yourself while doing so? By shopping at Uptown Liz, you are not only buying gifts for your loved one’s special occasions, but you are also helping the less fortunate.

A recent article published with The New York Times online states, “Charitable giving fell last year by the largest percentage in five decades”, according to the Giving USA Foundation; an organization that researches data about charitable giving and philanthropy. In 2008, there was a 5.7 percent decrease in gifts and pledges made by individuals and institutions from the previous year; this amount is adjusted for inflation and equals a decrease of $6.35 billion. With such great economic trouble, experts are surprised the drop was not greater, since endowments and stocks fell by almost 40 percent and unemployment is at an all time high. Donations were doing well for the better part of 2007, but it was around the last quarter when “we saw individuals begin to revisit their philanthropic priorities” as stated by Giving USA.

Also around this time about two-thirds of all public charities faced a decline in donations. According to Del Martin, the chairwoman of Giving USA, what was most surprising “was the decline in gifts to organizations working to meet basic needs, like food banks and homeless shelters, which are seeing a big increase in demand for their services”.

Even with this decline, retail sales have increased by .5 percent in May, according to the Commerce Department; this is the first rise in the overall industry in three months. Now in the summer months, students are graduating, fathers are being recognized, and birthdays are still being celebrated. People have always liked to show their loved ones they care, by showering them with gifts. Why not show your loved ones you care and also donate to nonprofit organizations?

By utilizing sites like Uptown Liz, you can shop and help others at the same time. For every purchase made, you will feel no buyer’s remorse knowing that a percentage of the sale will go to a charity in need. While browsing, you can search through products or causes, which makes it easier to find the perfect gift or to support the organization of your choice.

Now is the time to help. Cyndi Court, the executive vice president for marketing and development for The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, says this year is not looking any better. “We’re definitely anticipating another down year”. Imagine what a difference we could make if everyone shopped for a cause!