With the economy hurting, nonprofit agencies that aid those in need say they soon will be forced to scramble for assistance themselves -- that is, unless businesses all over Long Island step up to help.

Representatives of several large nonprofit agencies and elected officials gathered Friday in Melville to announce a $1-million-plus campaign crafted to drum up interest in and support of nonprofits, including Big Brother-Big Sister of Long Island, Autism United and the United Way of Long Island.

"As Wall Street hurts, so do our local communities," said Legis. Dennis Dunne (R-Levittown), chairman of the Suffolk County Legislature's Economic Development Committee. "They're the volunteers. They're the ones that help when they get home . . . That's not going to happen anymore."

The pro bono campaign by EGC Group, a Melville-based advertising agency, will include print, Internet and radio ads on Long Island and in New York City. The hope is that the monthlong campaign will inspire more businesses and individuals to contribute whatever they can to human-service agencies. The local initiative is part of creatAthon, a national effort by more than 30 agencies.

Dunne said while the effects of the Wall Street crisis have not had a full impact on charities, it's only a matter of time. "How are we going to make sure that there's no effect on the weakest of the weak?" he asked.

EGC contacted media outlets and found photographers and models willing to donate time and supplies. The ads will run in Newsday, the Daily News and a number of local papers. The firm also secured radio spots on most of New York's major channels.

Lance Elder, president of the Education & Assistance Corp., an agency that provides an array of educational and counseling services, said that the work done by nonprofits is "crucial and will continue to be more so as this economic downturn hits us."

Many agency representatives in attendance added that the winter months are often the most taxing for charities, whose clientele will struggle with rising fuel costs and a greater cost of living.

"Most people on Long Island are a paycheck away from being in a situation where they need services," said Christopher Hahn, president of the United Way of Long Island. "This winter, we're bracing for a perfect storm of economic crisis."