POCATELLO - Local churches and charitable organizations report that contributions are down, while requests for services have increased.

Dick Scott, church administrator at Grace Lutheran Church, said regular contributions at the church have decreased by a few percentage points. But as winter approaches, increased utility bills and seasonal job stoppages mean more people will need assistance.

"The increase is not drastic," he said. "Where we normally see one or two people, now we're seeing three."

Scott said contributions made by the church's more than 500 members support a number of social assistance programs.

Grace Lutheran School also receives support from church donations, which are strictly voluntary.

However, Scott said the school is funded primarily through tuition, and no cuts are expected at the school.

"We have no plans to cut services, but we have done some forecasting and we're prepared," Scott said.

Ed Jordan, pastor at the Gate City Baptist Church, also said regular contributions are low this year.

He attributed the decline to an aging congregation.

As heating bills, medical costs and fuel prices rise, members on fixed incomes have less money to donate, Jordan said.

Most requests at the church are for assistance to pay utility bills and buy gas.

Jordan said he expects the demand for services to increase as temperatures drop.

Gate City Baptist Church also contributes to Aid For Friends.

Kathy Barkdull with Holy Spirit Catholic Community said the church hasn't seen a substantial drop in contributions or an increase in requests for assistance. But she agreed that demand typically increases during the winter months.

Holy Spirit Catholic Community is also conducting a capital campaign to raise money to build a new church and school on Pocatello's west side. Barkdull said contributions to the campaign have also been flat.

Janie Hoadley, director at St. Vincent DePaul's Society, said donations to the thrift store are at an all-time low.

"We've been out of furniture forever," Hoadley said.

Many people are opting to make due with their old household items rather than replacing and donating them, she said.

Cash donation to the organization, which is co-operated by the Catholic Knights, are also down this year.

St. Vincent's is in the process of preparing Thanksgiving food boxes, and that means less money is available for other assistance.

"There is a huge difference between this year and last year," Hoadley said. "There is always a need, but now there is less help."

By Debbie Bryce

dbryce@journalnet.com