With seemingly less money in everyone’s pockets right now, you might think charities would find crucial donations even harder to come by.You’d be wrong, according to the Salvation Army, which has observed residents being more generous even as economic conditions become tougher.The charity raised $1.1 million last year, $200,000 more than the previous year, as it reached its heightened target to continue meeting the needs of Bermuda’s growing population of struggling families and individuals.And while there’s no room for complacency, with even more funds required to help yet more people in 2012, Divisional Commander Shawn Critch has reason to be optimistic.“We have not seen a negative effect with regard to the generosity of the residents and corporate sponsors that help us,” Mr Critch told The Royal Gazette yesterday.“It will come together. It always seems to come together. When times are tough, donations for the work of the Salvation Army always seem to increase.“It’s a very interesting dynamic. I think it shows the strength of the community when they rally to support their neighbour down the road, or the stranger on the street.“When they see people are struggling, they feel the responsibility as a citizen to step in and help and make a difference.”However, he warned the extra cash raised in 2011 had already been used, giving additional support to the Army’s two programmes.The community and family service at King Street has served 325 people a month so far this year, compared with an average 210 per month in 2011. This February, that number was just under 400.Meanwhile, the North Street feeding programme has seen a rise from about 50 people per night to 85 to 90 per night, including some down-on-their-luck families.“We are certainly starting to struggle with the demands of the services,” said Mr Critch.“It’s causing us particular concern, because our budget didn’t factor in those larger numbers. We thought it had peaked last year because we saw a downward shift in the calendar year. But this year started with a bang.”One temporarily homeless man, who asked to be called by his first name, Derrick, said he’d witnessed a change in people’s attitudes to donating.“I’m sure that people are watching their pennies,” he said. “People are more willing to buy you whatever you might need as opposed to give you cash.“And, of course, what I do notice is that people are more vigilant in terms of their budget, by carrying their credit cards and going to the cash machine to get money, instead of carrying cash. That makes them less likely to spend.”But he added more people seem willing to get involved with charity projects.“Most definitely, I have noticed an attitude change across the spectrum of the Bermuda public,” he said.“Not only has it become fashionable to help, but you are seeing we have expats who are volunteering as a means to integrate in Bermuda society.“This is good, it’s when you find out about what Bermuda is really about.”l Mr Critch called for community corporations and wholesalers to come forward to partner with the Salvation Army to help maintain their food supplies. Call him on 292-0601.