SEASON OF NATURAL DISASTERS GIVES WAY TO HOLIDAY SEASON OF GIVING AND VOLUNTEERING

National Runaway Switchboard Hopeful that Americans Continue to Give This Holiday Season

CHICAGO (November 18, 2005) – For most Americans, the holiday season that begins at Thanksgiving is a time of joyous celebrations and reunions with families and friends.  Unfortunately, according to the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) thousands of American children will spend the holidays on the streets rather than at home.  Between 1.3 million and 2.8 million runaway and homeless youth live on the streets of America each year.

“The holidays are a time which magnifies both the good and bad in family relationships – it’s also a time when it hurts even more to be alone,” said Maureen Blaha, executive director of NRS.  “If you or someone you know are dealing with a runaway situation this holiday season please call 1-800-RUNAWAY.”

According to Blaha, the holiday season also stirs people’s generosity to give to local and national charities.  She offers the reminder that even the smallest donation will have a lasting impact – a donation of just $15 to NRS provides support for one hour of phone calls.  If unable to donate monetarily, there are many runaway and homeless youth organizations that are always seeking volunteers to help support their mission.  Call NRS at 1-800-RUNAWAY to locate a program in your community.

Charitable Giving This Holiday Season:
Charitable organizations, such as NRS, have a cautiously optimistic viewpoint on the amount of donations they will receive this holiday season in light of recent trends. For example, estimated charitable giving reached $248.52 billion for 2004, a new record for philanthropic giving in the United States according to the Giving USA Foundation.  This increase will likely continue into 2005 in the wake of several high-profile natural disasters.  Blaha cautions that while donations are up for organizations that support those affected by natural disasters, organizations in the human services sector have seen declines for the third year in a row.

“The generosity that has been outpouring in response to the recent natural disasters is amazing and is an impressive expression of what we as a society can do,” said Blaha.  “It’s also absolutely critical to remember charities like the National Runaway Switchboard and the work we do to serve those most vulnerable.  Youth who are living on the streets matter, too.”

If interested in making a donation this year, many companies already have policies in place to match donations made by their employees.  While reaping the personal rewards of a donation is gift enough, the gift of a charitable donation can also be tax deducted.  NRS sends a receipt for all donations received.  However, for gifts of less than $250, a canceled check or credit card statement is sufficient for IRS requirements.  When giving cash, keep a detailed record of each cash gift for a tax deduction.  For individual donations of $250 or more, the IRS requires a receipt from the charity that includes wording that the giver received no tangible benefit in exchange for the gift.

“When it comes to charitable giving,” says Blaha, “Americans always answer the call.  And at NRS, our volunteers handle an average of 115,000 calls annually to help youth and families get back together.  This holiday season, we hope Americans give the gift that continues to help keep youth safe and off the streets: a donation to the National Runaway Switchboard.”

To make a donation to NRS, or to locate a runaway or homeless youth organization in your area where you can volunteer, call 1-800-RUNAWAY, or visit www.1800RUNAWAY.org. 

The National Runaway Switchboard, established in 1971, serves as the federally-designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth.  Recognized as the oldest hotline in the world, NRS, with the support of more than 150 volunteers, has handled more than 3 million calls in its 34-year history and handles an average of 115,000 calls annually.  NRS provides crisis intervention, referrals to local resources, and education and prevention services to youth, families and community members throughout the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Over 10,000 youth have been reunited with their families through NRS’ Home Free program, done in collaboration with Greyhound Lines, Inc.  The NRS crisis hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY.  For more information, visit www.1800RUNAWAY.org.