April 29th, 2008

The rise in gas and home heating prices is driving a similar increase in the demand for services such as food banks, social service programs and emergency shelters in Erie County.

According to the Erie Times-News, “Jack Dovishaw, of Erie, said 10 to 20 new families sign up every month for food from the food pantry run by St. Andrew and St. Jude the Apostle Catholic churches.”

As the requests for assistance rise, the people who usually donate to these programs are feeling the pinch as well, with donations declining at many nonprofits.

“Kitty Cancilla, executive director of Community Shelter Services, said donations to the organization are down $72,000.”