As 1,100 participants of the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese's annual Lovewalk for the Poor trekked from Sacred Heart Church in Shadyside to deliver food and diapers to waiting service providers yesterday, they were asked to keep in mind the needy families their donations would serve.

However, if they had a chance to see what Myrna Zelenitz sees every day at the East End Cooperative Ministry, they might get a different picture of a "needy" family than what is expected.

"The clients that are coming in have never been to a food pantry before and don't know how to access aid resources," said Ms. Zelenitz, executive director of the ministry.

The new face of poverty is the latest element of an issue the diocese has been fighting for decades. In its 19th Lovewalk, the diocese, which gave donations to the East End Cooperative Ministry and its Roselia Center for mothers, surpassed last year's efforts with at least 100 more participants, according to Gary Slifkey, coordinator of the Lovewalk.

"People are stepping up, but it's tough. While there is an increase in donations, it's not as much as the demand," she said.

According to Ms. Zelenitz, the ministry has seen demand in its food pantry increase by 20 percent, demands from its homeless population increase by 10 percent and a 600 percent increase in the number of clients from Shadyside over last year. She said the situation is so dire the ministry had to train 30 additional volunteers and extend hours at the soup kitchen and pantry to meet demand.

But if there has been a plus side to the economic downturn, it's the fact that people are ready to help those experiencing tough times, said Mr. Slifkey. He added that the walk can only help to increase awareness.

"I think people know in this financial crisis that there is a greater need to find ways to help their brothers and sisters," he said. "And as we go through the neighborhood, people will wonder what's going on, why we're marching. We're not protesting anything -- we're just supporting the poor."

Another positive to come out of turbulent financial times is heightened interest in the economy among young people. At least half of the participants in the walk were teenagers, many who said they came because they knew times have been especially difficult.

"There are so many people that are homeless and are looking for jobs. I believe this can help and it's going to help so many people in our community," said 13-year-old Tressa Holodnik of St. John the Baptist School in Plum.

"I just think it's a great chance to help people in the community, and I just thought it was a great thing for me to do," said 14-year-old Anna McGlade of St. Bernard Parish in Mt. Lebanon, who brought her father, Ron McGlade, along for the event.

"I think the kids realize they can do work in the church and work of the church and they're not alone in doing this. They start to see there are those really involved in caring," said the Rev. Tom Galvin of St. John the Baptist Church.

For the sake of the ministry, Ms. Zelenitz said she hopes the love continues beyond the walk.

"It's hard for us to predict how difficult the future will be and how much our needs are," she said. "Every service provider is as fragile as the people they're serving."