The announcement that the Sunshine League plans to close its 24-hour residential care facility is the most tangible sign yet of how the recession is hurting people.No one would dispute that the Sunshine League has provided a critically important service to the community for decades, protecting the most vulnerable members of society children.And while it is welcome news that Government may yet be able to put together some form of rescue of the facility, that may not have been necessary had the League's budget not been cut in half in the Budget.Indeed, this is one of many misplaced Budget cuts, whose impact is falling on the weakest members of society.Obviously cuts can and must be made in order to bring Government's spending in line with its revenues. And regardless of where the cuts fall, there will be pain. No one can doubt that.But where those cuts are made, and how, is just as important.And to cut an organisation like the Sunshine League's grant at a time when people are more, not less likely, to need help makes no sense.Now Youth and Family Services Minister Glenn Blakeney says the programme may still be saved.Evidently one idea, which the Government turned down, was for the Government to take over the running of the Sunshine League.Government was right to reject that idea, because it is hard to believe that it could run the programme better or more efficiently than the Sunshine League itself did.Mr Blakeney said his Ministry is still in the midst of a review of the facility with a view to recommendation of different approaches, and was surprised the facility chose to announce its closure now, before the review was finished.The betting here is that while Government will no doubt find some efficiencies, there will not be enough to make up the League's shortfall, given that it was probably being run very prudently to begin with, as is usually the case with charities that are dependent on public generosity.In the meantime, it is not too late for the public to step up to help this worthy cause.To be sure, these are tough times for everyone, and many people are feeling the financial squeeze. But anyone who does have some money available for charity should consider donating it to the Sunshine League to help eight children have a roof over their heads and food on the table in a stable, loving environment.