The season of giving may be upon us, but across the nation, charities and other non-profit organizations are in a season of guessing.

As a result of the poor economy, charities are witnessing the hardship the economy has caused first hand, as need increases and donations struggle.

According to a CNN.com report, Goodwill Industries International Inc. and The Salvation Army have both reported a dip in donations nationally. The federal food stamp program also has 1.3 million more people being helped by its services now than last year.

Local organizations are reporting growing need this season as well. Mid-Iowa Community Action, 125 S. Third St. Unit 100, which provides services to low-income families throughout Story County and the surrounding areas, experienced family turnout in record numbers during the month of November. 400 families visited Mid-Iowa’s food pantry.

“Donations have been the same as in the past, but with the increased use, its hard to keep up,” said Lindsay Cook, food pantry assistant.

Cook said the organization is expecting similar numbers for December but are comfortable for now with the number of donations being brought in.

“People recognize there is an increase in the need and step up,” she said.

More families need the assistance of these organizations than ever before. The demographic of families is widening and no group can be sure if donations will increase to meet the growing need.

“There tends to be two conflicting forces at work in difficult economic times: the desire to help those that are less fortunate in the hopes that it doesn’t happen to us and the lack of disposable income to donate,” said Meghan O’Brien, ISU Regional Capacity Analysis economist.

Despite the slowdown of donations, many organizations are remaining positive on the outlook of the holiday season and continuing their efforts to help the people that need them most.