By Brittney Barsotti
What is it about the holiday season that compels us to be more giving than any other time of the year?
According to UNICEF, during the last week of the calendar year, the number of donations to non-profits spikes in the United States -- a combination of holiday spirit (and the recently received holiday bonuses) and the reality that they need to make gifts by year-end to qualify for tax benefits. This year charities are feeling the impact of the economic downturn, as demand for their services outstrips donations, as stated by the Washington post. Nation wide Americans are feeling the impact of the current economic status.
An estimated 5,000 cars full of people showed up at Miller farms in Colorado, Calif., according to CNN.com, to harvest extra crops of potatoes, carrots, onions, and beats for the holidays. Many churches and food banks in the area sent members to collect the allotted up to ten pounds of produce per individual so that they may distribute them to those unable to make it over the holidays. David Patterson of Miller Farms told CNN that he decided Sunday to notify the local news stations and the public of the give away as, “a way to repay the public for being so generous over the years. It’s a shame people need produce so bad.” For the full video on CNN.com click the link below.
http://www.cnn.com/video/ - /video/living/2008/11/24/vosot.harvest.food.shocker.kusa

The fear of what is to come has left Americans clinging to every sent a lot tighter than any other recession in recent times. President-elect Barack Obama has called this financial crisis one of, “historic proportions.” His newly created economic team is working very hard in collaboration with the Bush administration to bring an end to the current economics situation.

With the change in political climate, one would imagine that Americans would begin to feel better about the changes that are due to come. Obama’s economic philosophy that, “we cannot have a thriving Wall Street without a thriving Main Street," is one that the members of his National Economic Council agree with. Obama has promised to create 2.5 million jobs by 2011, but until then all eyes wait expectedly to see if Obama will be able to live up to the expectations when he is sworn in to office on January 20th.