SYRACUSE -- With the holidays around the corner, it's the season for giving. But thanks to the ailing economy, donations are down and now local charities are trying to cope.

Crouse Hospital employees were gathering gifts Friday to give to those in need. "To help people. They feel good about it. They want to give," said Darlene Sheets, coordinator of the Adopt a Family project. The annual event gathers gifts for Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army and the Christmas Bureau. This year, the Salvation Army says donations are down, but more and more families need help. Only about half as many businesses, organizations and individuals have signed up to donate to the Christmas Bureau.

It's a similar story at the Rescue Mission. "It's been a very challenging year," said Paul LaDolce of the Rescue Mission. They still need $750,000 in donations by the end of the year. "We're continuing to let our supporters know what the situation is, about the increased need, and we're praying," LaDolce said. They need cash donations and they need them fast. The Rescue Mission will have served 19,000 more meals this year compared to 2007 and they're doing everything they can not to cut services.

Now, they're hoping the community will come forward to help them so they can continue to serve those who need it the most. "Lots of praying and hoping and you can give hope with just a simple gift to the Rescue Mission this season," LaDolce said. They need donations and they need them desperately. If you'd like to give back and donate to the Rescue Mission, you can call their Holiday Donation Hotline at (315) 701-3898.