They need our help the most during hard economic times.

But many charities are struggling right now... saying donations are down... and the need is up.

This afternoon, North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan along with several non profit organizations... asked people to reach out to charities this holiday season.

Dorgan says the national economy is struggling right now... and that's affecting charities in a negative way.

To offer incentives to those who want to donate Dorgan says he's working to expand, and make permanent, the IRA Rollover Act.

It allows tax benefits to people who donate to charities.

(Senator Byron Dorgan / -D- North Dakota) "People give to charitable organizations because it's a gift of the heart, this is a giving country, but it's also the case that exactly the time our country is in trouble, is when those donations shrink, and it's exactly the time organizations need that most."


Just an example of how busy some charities in town are...

Workers with the Salvation Army say they've seen a 300 percent increase in services...

Yesterday alone, they gave food to more people than were serving to in a week nearly a year ago. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list