Today, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces the official kick-off of the 2012 Catholic Charities Appeal, the single largest fundraising initiative in the Archdiocese supporting the charitable works of the Church. This year, the Catholic Charities Appeal and Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., have set a fundraising goal of $10 million.

"Through the support of the Catholic Charities Appeal, more than 80 programs of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are able to provide help and create hope for thousands of individuals and families in need every day," said Archbishop Chaput. "Together, we can dramatically transform the lives of those who need it the most by feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless and providing for the poor. Continued support from our faith community is essential in order to carry out these powerful services for so many and to make a lasting, positive impact on our city of Philadelphia and its surrounding communities."

The Catholic Charities Appeal funds many programs of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, including housing and meals for the homeless, senior and family service centers, afterschool programs, community food cupboards and residential and community-based academic programs for dependent and delinquent youth, developmentally disabled and special needs children. Donations to the Appeal enable these programs to continue providing help and creating hope for more than 200,000 people each year. Of every dollar contributed to the Appeal, 92 cents directly benefits those in need throughout the five-county region served by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This rate is considerably better than industry standards for non-profit organizations and demonstrates the efficiency of the organizations funded by the Catholic Charities Appeal.

"Catholic Social Services changed my life for the better," said Camille Turner, a Mercy Hospice alumna, which assists homeless women and women in recovery from substance abuse to stabilize their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. "The devoted, loving staff at Mercy Hospice gave me the hope and resources to get back on the right track. Without Mercy Hospice, I don't know where I would be today."

Founded in 1958 by John Cardinal O'Hara, the Catholic Charities Appeal funds over 80 agencies throughout the five counties of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The services that the Archdiocese provides reflect a belief in the sanctity of all human life, the inherent dignity of every person, and the central role of the family in life and society.

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Editor's Note: For information about the Catholic Charities Appeal please contact 215-587-3651 or visit www.catholiccharitiesappeal.org.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747