Philly diocese: Catholic Charities Appeal donations exceed previous years

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia kicked off its annual Catholic Charities Appeal back in February, and today announced significant progress in the fundraiser.

The initiative is the diocese’s biggest fundraising effort and supports local social services programs. To date, according to a news release circulated Thursday, $5.6 million has been raised toward the $10 million goal.
“The outpouring of support for the Catholic Charities Appeal has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Archbishop Charles Chaput said. “Despite these difficult economic times, people are finding a way to give and support the thousands of impoverished individuals and families in our communities.”

According to the diocese, gifts have come in from 19,000 donors who are new or who’ve been away for at least a year.