Remember Godfather I? Let me quote Don Barzini:
"OF course Don Corleone will be allowed to submit a bill for his services. After all, we are not Communists."
You are in business to make a living. You are not a charity.
Charge for your services. I agree with Hal, it's going to be tougher now to get started, but a letter stating that due to economic conditions you're going to have to start charging for these services is not a bad place to start. Offer them a discount off your regular prices of you're feeling generous.
But remember you've got to eat and feed your family.
After all, we're not Communists.
Sam