The images of suffering tug at your heartstrings, and your pursestrings as well.

The twin disasters of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita inflicted horrendous damage on the Gulf Coast, and the natural impulse is to dig deep and give until it hurts. Given the gravity of the situation, it is undeniably a saving grace that many people who might not ordinarily have budgeted money for charity are moved to donate to organizations helping hurricane victims.

But as heartening as it is to witness such a humane response, leaders of nonprofits in Hawai'i have justifiably cast a worried glance toward their own bottom line.

The needs of our local communities persist, the clamor for social services rings out more loudly than ever. The fear is that the wellspring of charity will dry up before donations can be set aside for their causes.

Most donors now realize that 2005 will be a year compelling a greater-than-average degree of generosity. And some of that spirit must be conserved for needs beyond the current crisis.

As they should, many people consider carefully before giving to an organization, weighing how well administrative costs are managed so that as much money as possible gets to those who need it most. What should concern them less is that some of the gifts might be saved to help victims of future misfortunes.

A contribution keeps the charity pipeline flowing, regardless of the final destination of the particular gift. All of us can feel gratified that their donation has improved the lives of those who otherwise might be forgotten.