Short on Cash, Companies Give Time, Skills

With need surging and dollars available for donations limited by the down economy, corporations are increasingly turning to ways besides writing checks to serve their communities.

The trend, which has been growing in recent years, is accelerating this year, according to United Way of American spokesman Sally Fabens.

Fabens estimates corporate cash donations to the organization decreased about 3% in 2008, with financial and automotive companies "expectedly" contributing far less than usual.

But the charitable organizations it represents, she says, increasingly are receiving in-kind donations and pro-bono assistance.

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