By Roger McKinney

rmckinney@joplinglobe.com

Natalie Bailey on Wednesday witnessed firsthand how the tanking economy is affecting charities.

Bailey, 38, of Joplin, works and is a full-time student at Crowder College in Neosho, but that’s not enough.

“I’m still falling short, with the economy being like it is,” Bailey said.

Wednesday found her at Crosslines Churches of Joplin, where she was seeking jeans for her 10-year-old son and help with food. She was among many others with similar needs.

“I couldn’t believe the parking lot was so full and how many people were needing help,” Bailey said. “They were parking out in the road even. ... There were probably over 100 people looking for items.”

She said it could be tough for charities to make ends meet “if we don’t get together as a community.”

‘Challenging’

Kathy Lewis, director of Joplin Crosslines, reinforced Bailey’s opinion.

“It’s challenging, to say the least,” Lewis said. She said the number of families the charity serves has increased from around 400 per month last year to around 500 per month this year.

“I think the people here in Joplin are very giving,” Lewis said. “I think we’ll struggle for a while. We may not be able to keep up with the need.”

Other area charities also report increased need for their services as contributions fall.

The United Way of Crawford County, Kan., last week reported that it fell short of its campaign goal of $254,000, with pledges totaling $230,503. Mike Woods, campaign co-chairman, said in a news release that the goal was set before the financial meltdown and before area businesses announced they would close. Superior Industries announced it would close its Pittsburg plant next month, resulting in the loss of 600 jobs.

Woods said in the release that the campaign was disappointed about falling short of the goal, “but we’re also proud of the tremendous effort and results shown by the campaign in the face of such difficult and trying economic times.”