Some Northwest charities are finding that some people are more generous during a recession than when times are good.  Correspondent Tom Banse reports the downturn is affecting charities unevenly.

Food banks and meals-on-wheels services are hurting for donations and volunteers. The relief group Mercy Corps recently had to lay off staff in Portland and Seattle. But other causes are showing resilience. The Christian aid agency World Vision expects to equal last year’s haul from a 30-hour famine fundraiser that happens this weekend. High school senior Abby Acone is part of church group hosting one of those fasts in Redmond, Washington.

Acone: “My parents have talked about it, they’ve told me about these tough times, how other people are really struggling. I think in their minds they are becoming even more generous.”

Federal Way, Washington based World Vision recently paid for a telephone survey of parents nationwide. Nearly seven out of ten parents say the current economic climate has made their teens "more aware of the needs of others."

Copyright 2009 KUOW

On the web:

World Vision 30 Hour Famine

Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University