For over 40 years, the Catholic Courier/Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal has provided a ray of light to people who are struggling. Christmas Appeal donations help individuals and families in short-term financial crisis. These are people who have no financial resources and are either awaiting or ineligible for assistance from other sources. Grants go toward such needs as furnace repairs, childre
n's prescriptions, transportation to job interviews, security deposits and food assistance. More than ever we rely on the generosity of donors to meet the needs of the people who come to us for help. Catholic Charities agencies throughout the Diocese of Rochester are faced with ever-rising requests for assistance -- often from people who have never asked for help before. At the same time, government agencies have slashed programs in order to meet budget reductions -- that means fewer dollars for home heating assistance, emergency housing and other outreach to the poor. Appeal proceeds are collected by the Catholic Courier and then allocated to the emergency funds of the various Catholic Charities agencies and affiliates throughout the 12-county diocese. Each year's campaign runs from Thanksgiving through the end of February. Campaign administration is performed as a public service by the Courier staff, so nearly every penny donated to the Christmas Appeal goes directly to those in need. The appeal's only costs are nominal printing and postage for annual solicitation letters to prior donors. Every donation, large or small makes a difference, gives people hope and helps put them back on the road to independence.
