Feeding the hungry in Toledo

The American poverty rate is the highest since the 1960's, standing at 14.3 percent. That means in 2009, 44-million Americans were living in poverty, which breaks down to one in 7 Americans.

Here in Lucas County, that number is even higher. It's estimated that one in 4 people are living in poverty.

So far this year, at the Cherry Street Mission, they've seen almost double the amount of people compared to last year. Shelters are seeing more women and children as soaring unemployment rates are not helping.

Dan Rogers of the Cherry Street Mission says, "Locally, it's even worse. Toledo is still the eighth poorest city in the country, and unemployment is still in double digits realms."

There are several organizations in town that could use your donations of food, clothing, cash and even volunteer service. Here are just some:

• The Salvation Army
• One Matters
• St Paul's Community Center
• The MLK Kitchen
• The Sparrows Nest
• Cherry Street Mission