Hoosiers ready to help, despite economy

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - President Barack Obama wasted no time in giving Americans thier marching orders: We must give more, help more, volunteer more to help those in need.

If Washington needs a place to point to as an example of all that, they might just come to Indiana. New government research shows Hoosiers are leading the pack in lending a hand.

Bob Legg dishes out food every day at the St. Patrick's Soup Kitchen. For two years, Bob's been doing what the president said all Americans need to do more of: Volunteering.

"Given the crisis that we're in and the hardships that so many people are going through, we can't allow any idle hands," Obama said.

The president pitched in, painting a home for the needy. Now, he wants Americans to take his cue.

Hoosiers stand battle-ready.

Consider that the government's own research now shows that out of all fifty states, the midwest ranks first in giving and helping others. Out of the midwest, Indiana ranks near the very top.

In fact, the report said Hoosiers give more than nearly any other state in the nation. This is despite the fact that Hoosiers often have less to give. The state ranks 34th in household income, but finishes in the top ten in giving.

Ruth Myers who runs the soup kitchen knows first-hand about Hoosier hospitality.

"I think it's the feeling that they're giving something back. That they're doing something good," Ruth said.

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