Lending a helping hand is something most all of us want to do, but sometimes it’s difficult when you’re watching pennies yourself.

“I know everybody is feeling the pinch. But they need to remember all the non-profits are feeling it as well,” said Catherine Hereford of the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC). “Most non-profit, federal agencies I know of, most of their federal money has been cut. We’re trying to keep our heads up.”

The money the NCAC receives from donations goes to help children who have been abused.

“For every $150 that we raise, it goes directly to pay for one therapy session for a child that has been a victim of abuse,” said Hereford.

Times are also tough for the American Red Cross. Red Cross workers are providing shelter, food and emotional support for tens of thousands of people affected by Hurricane Ike.

The local Madison County chapter has volunteers still working on the aftermath of Gustav, and then had to send more to help with Ike. They need support for the long haul.

“I would say that it’s going to be a long-term crisis and it’s interesting because it seems like every year it seems we have the worst fires or the worst tornado season or the worst hurricane season or biggest disaster,” said Susan Sparks, assistant director. “But it seems like this hurricane season is going to impact a lot of our families in the Southeast and the Gulf Coast.”

Right now, the American Red Cross’s most pressing need is money. If you’d like to help, please call the Red Cross at (256) 536-0084.

To donate to the National Children’s Advocacy Center, please call (256) 533-5437.