Reported By: Rob Hughes (rhughes@kswt.com)

Yuma, AZ- July 28th- Local charities are seeing a rise in volunteering, despite the bad economy. From the young to unemployed, many can't give money, but they can give something more important.

According to a federal report released Tuesday by the Corporation For National And Community Service, a million more people donated their time to civic causes in 2008 versus 2007. Officials say the struggling economy is a true example of Americans desire to help their neighbors.

"We can give our time and our talent," says Myra Garlit, Crossroads Mission Executive Director. 

"Part of it is a desire just to help other people," says Captain Jonathan Harvey, Salvation Army Yuma County Coordinator.

Garlit says the unemployed aren't just sitting at home.

"I had two people just this week that are out of work, and they've put in job applications everywhere, and they came over because they just want to stay busy; so they came to the thrift store to work, and that's awesome," says Garlit.

Garlit says more young people, some who are suffering, are helping others in worse shape than they are.

"I think that we're seeing more younger volunteers, and that's probably something that we should add to our demographics list, is an age group of volunteers so that we would know, right now we don't keep that statistic," says Garlit.

Captain Jonathan Harvey with the Salvation Army says he's also seeing younger volunteers come through his doors who can't find work, but want to beef up their resume.

"Just last week, I met with a gentleman aged 18, who's interested in doing some volunteer work with us; not working right now, and looking to use volunteerism as a way to build some skills," says Harvey.

Harvey says whether you're looking to kill time in between jobs, help those less fortunate, or make a difference, volunteering will help you get what you want in life.

"End of last year, we actually ended up employing somebody that started out working as a volunteer with us, who was between jobs and looking for work," says Harvey. He worked out very well, he was a great employee, he did a fabulous job and we ended up hiring him."

Federal Reports say nearly 62 million people volunteered last year. Local agencies say if you'd like to donate your time---they'd love to have you.