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Lamenting that they could not give more, aldermen approved $30,000 in contributions to 14 social-service agencies.

The sum, approved by the City Council this week, is a third of what the city handed out in 2001.

Officials said they hope more money will be available next year and more charities will apply.

“Over the past few years, some organizations have not been filing applications,” Ald. Tom Christiansen said.

This year’s contributions range from $5,000 for the Self-Help Food Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines to $500 for the Volunteer Center.