Ordinary Americans aren't the only ones being punished by tough economic times. Charities say they need help, too.

Charitable groups that help the poor -- food banks, thrift stores, shelters -- say the slumping economy is eroding their ability to help the nation's needy. They report declining donations and a surge in people seeking help.

St. Mark's food pantry is no different, the food supply at this pantry is reaching critical levels.

Bill Bolling, the founder of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, says he's experienced several recessions but never seen so many working people visit food banks. Bolling's charity donates food to 800 nonprofit groups in Georgia.

"This is new for us," Bolling said. "People are giving up buying groceries so that they can pay rent and put gas in the car."

National charities like Goodwill Industries International Inc. and The Salvation Army give the same grim assessment -- donations are down, needs are up. At least 1.3 million more people have enrolled in the federal Food Stamp Program compared to last year, says Ross Fraser, a spokesman for America's Second Harvest, one of the nation's largest hunger-relief groups. It donates food to at least 200 food banks. "People who have been in food banking for years say it's the worst they've ever seen," Fraser said.

People often assume food bank customers are homeless. But several food bank officials across the country say that many of their customers are working-class people and their numbers are increasing. Many are first-timers. Some are too ashamed to ask for food in front of others; so they walk to the side of the food bank where fewer people are gathered to receive food, she says.

Azalea Baptist Church is collecting donations of non-perishable food items to be donated to St. Mark's food pantry. Donations may be placed in the blue container in the sanctuary lobby. Cash donations are also accepted to purchase items as well. contact the church office for more information.