Charities affected by the recession are calling on residents to help them stay afloat.

According to Danielle Riviere, programme manager for the Centre on Philanthropy, charities dealing with the arts and the environment including Bermuda National Trust, Masterworks and Bermuda National Gallery (BNG) have faced the biggest setbacks since the recession hit.

These organisations have had to change the way they traditionally fundraise and had to become more creative in the process.

Ms Riviere explained: "You are not hearing as much about the big parties, or the galas. Charities are being more strategic with how they are raising money and finding ways to collaborate."

People haven't stopped donating, Ms Riviere says, instead they are focused on lending a hand to charities in the social services, which help families, seniors and youth in need.

Bermuda National Gallery has had to cut back on staff from five full-time and two part-time members last year, to three full-time and one part-time member at present.

"That's one way we are being stricter to the budget by having our costs be much leaner," said director Lisa Howie.

Tom Butterfield, director of the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, has had to make similar cutbacks and admits volunteers have to operate the front desk and deal with membership for the charity areas traditionally dealt with by paid staff.

Other charities such as the Salvation Army have seen donations down as much as 18 percent from this time last year, though requests for their services have increased.

Divisional Commander Major Doug Lewis says their family service department has seen 110 families come in this June, as opposed to 81 families last June. In addition, the charity's feeding programme on North Street has seen a 30 percent increase in people in recent months.

"That stretches the resources we have to enable us to do what we do," said Major Lewis.

PALS, a cancer care charity, occasionally find they are taking in less than they need to spend. Ann Smith Gordon CEO and president of PALS said: "Our donations are generally sufficient, but some months expenses exceed income."

PALS need to raise $900,000 each year, in addition to the $100,000 government grant they receive, to cover costs of equipment, medical supplies and staff, and to assist with sending patients abroad for medical treatment. To raise this money the charity hosts several fundraiser events throughout the year and accepts donations no matter how big or small with open arms, said Ms Smith Gordon.

The Red Cross, on the other hand, has had to be more creative with how they fundraise and are yet to receive as much as in previous years. Director Ann Spencer Arscott said: "We are concerned with the economic climate in Bermuda and how that will affect the fundraising efforts for Bermuda Red Cross as well as all of the other worthwhile charities. We made the decision to forego our annual dinner/dance fundraiser in July and create some smaller and different types of events."

This included a James Bond dinner and movie night last November, a rummage sale in January where people cleared out their cupboards to provide the Red Cross with money and a 'High Heels Race' on Front Street in July in connection with the Bermuda Hospitals Charitable Trust.

Many other charities on the Island are working to get more volunteers, financial support or both in the coming months. Those interested in helping can contact the Centre on Philanthropy at 236-7706.