Local charities and churches are still receiving donations similar to last year, though some have felt the crunch.

Charities nationwide are reporting lower levels of giving this winter – partly because of people’s generosity to Sept. 11 fundraising and the economic downturn.

But Central Iowa fundraising drives have been at least as successful as last year.

Frankee Oleson, executive director of the United Way of Story County, credits “hard-working volunteers and generous people” for the success of United Way’s annual campaign that ended Nov. 15.

Local donors could contribute to the national disaster relief fund through the United Way of Story County, Oleson said. But only about $1,500 of United Way’s contributions were marked for New York City and Washington, D.C., she said.

The Lincoln Way Chapter of the American Red Cross hasn’t gauged the effect of Sept. 11 on its holiday donation flow, because the chapter doesn’t solicit money during the fall United Way campaign, said Executive Director Ron Matthews.

The Ames branch of the American Red Cross, 426 Fifth St., acts as a processing center for Central Iowans who want to contribute to disaster relief funds, Matthews said.

Residents from Story, Boone and Greene counties gave more than $125,000 that was funneled through the local Red Cross, he said.

Matthews and Oleson co-authored a letter to the Ames community after Sept. 11 to support national donations, but they reminded residents to “keep their perspective” on the need for help in Central Iowa.

“It remains to be seen if people will see the need to donate to the local Red Cross,” Matthews said.

Maj. Keith Petrie, administrator for the Salvation Army Corps Church and Community Center in Des Moines, said it is hard to say what effect the terrorist attacks will have on the Salvation Army fundraising campaign.

As of Nov. 30, Petrie said the campaign was about $8,000 ahead of last year. Although the group did not reach its goal last year, Petrie is optimistic.

“Other factors, such as the bitter winter last year, can affect donations,” he said.

Local churches have not noticed a dip in holiday offerings, either.

Pastor Chris Olkiewicz of St. Andrews Lutheran Church ELCA, 209 Colorado Ave., said he hasn’t seen an impact in weekly offerings since Sept. 11, even though the congregation of about 200 donated more than $5,000 to national relief funds.

“People have risen above and met the need without taking away from weekly offerings,” Olkiewicz said.