I heard it through the grape vine.

I heard from two very reliable sources that people are not gifting as many second-hand things, toys and food as usual for Christmas parcels for the needy.
One Council's appeal has fallen flat. The Council has a list from the Social Services of nearly a thousand named families who are in need. The other is a Charity that goes into houses and sorts them out for people with second-hand furniture bedding etc.
Does this show we are all feeling the pinch or is it the wrong time to appeal just after" Children in Need" and Christmas coming up? Should the appeal for non perishables etc. go out much earlier?
I feel so guilty sitting in my warm house debating what to have for supper.
I should add neither of these are areas that you would imagine would need help.