As more stateline residents turn to charity in these tough economic conditions.. local non profits are relying on our generosity more than ever to fill these needs. 23 news Economic Reporter Kristin Burke sizes up charitable giving and what some organizations are doing to plug the funding gap.

I don't think anyone in this community hasn't looked around and seen the critical needs we have."

While the need is our community is greater than ever.. it seems that even when times are tough.. people still give.

"Overall we actually saw an increase in giving during last years campaign than in the previous year."

The United Way which funds about 90 programs through more than 45 agencies reached its fund raising goal of four and a half million dollars last year. While a success,leaders are acutely aware of the funding challenges that lurk ahead... as our economy adjusts to a fundamental change...which will dictate the future of corporate giving.

" Maybe we harvested the low hanging fruit when we had those companies with 3-4 thousand employees. That company is gone now the foundation is gone. Now we have to go alittle higher up the tree and get 10 of the smaller companies."

But philanthropy is a luxury. And many companies are opting to pay their bills before making a charitable gift.Meaning a new wave of donors will have to step forward to fund our future.

" we are targeting small and midsized businesses.. service organizations s as well as the manufacturing companies that are merging in this new economy."

And a majority of this responsibility falls on our backs. United Way leaders hope efforts like workplace campaigns will help...as a little goes a long way it really comes in one dollar at a time."