Officials at the Salvation Army in Jefferson County said they are down to operating on a week-to-week basis, just hoping to receive donations. They said they need more than $1,000 just to get a truck to bring in their supply.

The Urban Mission has had 900 families register since June in need of assistance with living. Workers there said that is much higher and quicker than previous years and they’re in need of a consistent flow of income.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters in Jefferson County is down to three months left of funding, said Director Janet Mayle. Mayle said since they just established in the Valley in 2006, they had a lot of new agency expenses and their initial funds are now gone.

She said in order to reach out to more than 100 kids, both through the community and through schools, the group needs donations or else will be forced to close. Mayle said that’s something that she would hate to see happen in this area.

“It’s proven that (mentoring) works. … The results are there,” said Mayle. "We have kids that are starting to think about college. That was never a thought in their mind before."

For ways to donate time or money, call:

Big Brothers, Big Sisters (740) 264-3306

Salvation Army (740) 282-5721

Urban Mission (740) 282-2911