Express

Issue date: 4/6/09 Section: News

Non-traditional student Lori Brinkley donates anything to various charities whenever possible in order to help people who don't have much to survive on.

That was before she lost her job because of the current state of the economy. Now, it's all she can do to pay the bills and is forced to shop at the very places she used to donate to.

"I no longer have the ability to give to others," said Brinkley, "All the money I have has to go to my own family, and we now shop at Goodwill."

Today's economy has changed the lives of many UW-Richland students.

With money as tight as it is for so many, some students are left wondering what happens to the people who need help from charities just to get by.

Although the economy has affected everyone in some way, there are still students who want to donate to charities even if they don't have much themselves.

"We don't have a lot of stuff, but if we have something we don't need we can always give it away to someone who needs it more," said sophomore Julie Opalinski.

The bad economy has had little impact on charity donations given by a few students.

"It hasn't affected me not giving," said sophomore Laural Olson, "If I don't have a need for old clothes or if it's food I don't like, I want to give it to someone that will use it."

Many students believe that the economy has limited the amount that people can donate to charities.

"Yes, a lot less because people have to pay for their own things, they have to make ends meet," replied freshman Desiree Hofmeister when asked if she thought the economy has affected charity donations.

The economy has noticeably affected the Goodwill store in downtown Richland Center as well.

"We've been very busy; people are refusing to pay full price at regular department stores since they just can't afford it," said Goodwill Acting Supervisor, Doris Turner. "We've always had regulars, but there are a lot more out-of-towners coming in and a lot more higher-class people than normal too."

The economy has hit some students harder than others. Some students find that there just isn't enough money to donate anything to charity, even if they want to.

Has the economy affected your ability to donate?

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