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'Recession Angels' Help the Struggling

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 17, 2009 4:41 PM CDT

(Newser) – The recession has led to some antipathy toward moneyed Americans, but the haves are not casting a blind eye to the have-nots' troubles, ABC News reports. Colleges across the country are seeing millions in anonymous donations designed to save endowments, and at least one hospital has spared hundreds of jobs through benefactors' gifts. Call them “recession angels.”

At the community level, nonprofits are financing birthday parties for kids from hard-hit families. “You can really see how God works for people,” said a mother of a child feted with the program’s help. Even small businesses are feeling generous. One small-town pharmacy owner gathered his employees, who feared layoffs, and gave them bonuses instead. “When you have it in your hand, it makes you think of the smaller stores,” one said.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

A graphic shows percent change in giving during years with eight months or more of recession. (AP Photo)

An instructor helps out a student at a job training facility. (AP Photo)

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I grew up at the dinner table with tales of the depression and tales of what a banker meant to a community, about responsibility, handling other people's money. And that these are your neighbors, the people you live with.
- Leonard Abess Jr., principled banker

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