2018 Catholic Charities Appeal looks to pick up steam

By Harold Mcneil
Buffalo News
May 1, 2018

http://buffalonews.com/2018/05/01/2018-catholic-charities-appeal-looks-to-pick-up-steam/

Sister Mary McCarrick, diocesan director of Catholic Charities, announced this week that the Catholic Charities of Buffalo Appeal is just shy of 81 percent of its 2018 goal. Photo by Derek Gee

With two months remaining, the 94^th annual Catholic Charities of Buffalo Appeal has reached nearly $8.9 million in cash and pledges, but needs to pick up steam, according to diocese officials.

That's just shy of 81 percent of its 2018 goal. An additional $2.1 million has to be raised between now and June 30 in order to reach this year’s $11 million goal. Sister Mary McCarrick, diocesan director of Catholic Charities, said the organization has seen strong support, particularly after being featured in a recent segment on the Today Show, but the appeal should be closer to 90 percent of its goal or greater at this point. She said the last time the appeal failed to reach its goal was in 2009, when it was at 88 percent of its final goal at this stage of the campaign.

Funds raised during the appeal help support the 70 programs and services provided by Catholic Charities at 61 sites throughout Western New York, along with a number of ministries that are part of the Bishop’s Fund for the Faith.

“If we don’t reach our goal, we will need to take a serious look at these services to people in need,” McCarrick said in a statement announcing the progress of the campaign. “For example, it costs about $50,000 to fund one food pantry and we currently operate eight pantries; six in Erie County, and one each in Cattaraugus and Allegany County."

Those seeking to donate to the 2018 appeal may contact Catholic Charities  at (716) 218-1400 or go to ccwny.org.  or follow the agency on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.