I distinctly remember watching the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on television.

I sat there stunned by the images of death and destruction I was seeing, feeling the sense of utter helplessness wash over me.

And then I remember having to go back to my job as a newspaper reporter, and go out into the community to get the local response to the disaster. While it was difficult to put personal feelings and emotions aside to focus on writing these stories, what I saw in the community inspired me.

People miles away from Louisiana saw the carnage on their television and computer screens, and immediately began to organize for their fellow Americans in need. College kids started water drives. School children collected canned goods. Others volunteered their time and services to get those supplies to New Orleans.

But perhaps what was most surprising was not the people organizing the efforts, but all the people who ran to Wal-Mart to get a case of water or a pallet of canned food, and then waited in long lines to deliver it to drop off sites. It’s not that these people thought their donation would fix everything. But at that point, delivering that one item did mean they could seize a little bit of power in a powerless situation. It may only be a case of water, but it was the only way they could help fix the problem.

Those weeks after Hurricane Katrina bare similarity to the past 18 months this country has experienced. While it wasn’t as sudden, or horrific, or deadly as Hurricane Katrina, this recession has produced the same feelings: powerlessness, helplessness, sadness. There’s so many people now who need help it’s almost as if we don’t know where to start. We have that little bit that we can give, and there are so many good places to which it could go.

But unlike those days in August, it’s not that we give only a little because there’s nothing else we can do—it’s because we don’t have anything left to give.

Fundraising continued to decline in the first half of 2009, according to the latest report on philanthropic giving released in August by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. Statistics showed fundraisers expected levels to improve during the last half of 2009, but not to the point they did a year ago.

Why is this? Fundraisers know people aren’t giving at the levels they used to because they don’t have the money they once did. Even if they do, fundraisers know people are afraid to part with it. That fear is crippling those organizations that depend on donations for their survival. It’s just that reason that should compel people to continue to give, even if it’s only one time and a small amount. News reports continue to circulate about one program being cut or another nonprofit closing. With all of these closures also go the services we’ve come to know, like and depend upon.

So how can you continue to give when there’s no money left?

KL Mayer Consulting Group provided some helpful tips on how to refocus your charitable giving to better fit your current financial situation.

A couple of their suggestions:

• Decide what you’re passionate about. Rather than give small amounts to several charities, focus on one or two that are personally important to you.

• Take another look at your budget. Would it be better to give in small increments over a number of months, or to give one lump sum at the end of the year? Also, consider your long-term gifts. You may not be able to give much now, but a bequest in your will could make sure the charity of your choice greatly benefits after you’re gone.

• Choose how to give. If you don’t have money to spare, consider giving your time. So many nonprofits could use extra help, since they’ve had to make deep cuts to staff and resources. While you may not be able to write a check, your expertise may be just as valuable.

• Find peace in saying no. These days, most people can’t say yes to everyone asking for a donation. Focus simply on the charities you’ve decided to support at this time, and know that you can always change who will receive donations from you at a later date. No giving strategy is set in stone.

I personally fall into the category of those who don’t have extra money, but willingly give their time to causes I feel are worthy. It’s been really rewarding to take what little I have or the few things I’m good at and see them used to the benefit of others. Like all those who donated supplies after Hurricane Katrina, giving my time and talents to charity has been an effective way to seize a little bit of power in an otherwise powerless situation.