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Demand Outstripping Salvation Army

CHICAGO (WBBM) -- The Salvation Army is having a hard time keeping up with demand in Chicago and elsewhere.

As WBBM Newsradio 780's Felicia Middlebrooks reports, the Salvation Army provides food, shelter and a host of programs for millions of people – 30 million nationwide last year.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Felicia Middlebrooks reports

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But a survey of 30 food programs in Chicago and Philadelphia reveals that non-profits saw demand increase in great numbers. In Chicago alone, with high unemployment and home foreclosures on the rise, the demand for food doubled.

Officials say donations were flat, or declined. Salvation Army National spokesman Major George Hood says many Salvation Army regions had to realign their budgets to meet increased demands for food and shelter.

Overall, donor support was down about 8 percent.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS Radio and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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