The latest stats show the United States is the most charitable nation in the world. According to a “Giving U-S-A” report, Americans gave 135 billion dollars to charities in 1998. A professional who works in the arena sees a difference in the way older and younger donors approach charity. Gail Stilwell is head of the community relations foundation for Des Moines-based Meredith Publishing.Many older Iowans also work hundreds of volunteer hours for charities, but the executive director of “Children and Families of Iowa” says many younger Iowans are too tied down to volunteer.”United Way of Central Iowa director Martha Willits says groups like the United Way that provide “human services” aren’t getting as much of the charitable pie as they did years ago.Willits says support of agencies that help the poor comes at the same time state and federal officials, like President-elect Bush, suggest charities take over government welfare programs.Statistics show churches get the biggest share of America’s charitable contributions.
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