By: jackie.sauter

Today’s story about Black Friday and the upcoming holiday shopping season talks about how retailers and shoppers are affected by the economy, but there’s another aspect the story doesn’t address — how those on the receiving end of charitable giving are faring this season.

Times are tight, both for individuals and the corporations that make donations. But one couple at Arundel Mills Mall said that factor — more than the economy itself — is driving their spending habits this season.

“I think we’re trying to be a little bit more conscious and we’re a lot more interested in charitable organizations this year,” said Peter Rocco, who was out shopping last week with his wife Maria and their baby daughter.

The couple said the economy had not yet taken a toll on their wallets — Peter works for defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp. — but they said they thought the instability was creating a greater need for charity this year, and they wanted to do their part.

The couple said they were looking for products that donated a certain amount of the proceeds to charity or were making donations in the name of a family member for a gift.

“It just makes sense to do something a little more relevant and long-lasting rather than something someone may not even need or want,” said Maria.

Are other shoppers out there keeping an eye out for charities this year? Or are you like the many others who are basing their purchases on sales and coupons?

LIZ FARMER, Business Writer