Two new national surveys provide further evidence of the daunting double bind facing social-service organizations across America this holiday season, says the Associated Press.

Catholic Charities reports that 76 percent of the agencies in its national network are seeing a greater demand for food this year, while as many have reduced operating costs. The charity consultant the Bridgespan Group said 80 of the 100 nonprofit groups responding to its latest survey have experienced funding cuts.

The recession may also be partly responsible for a rash of thefts from groups collecting toys or donations for the needy, charity organizers tell USA Today. “There are people out there having hard times, and sometimes they just steal,” said Gary Balcom, a retired police officer whose South Carolina motorcycle club’s toy drive lost some $2,000 worth of stock to theft.