PORTLAND, Maine — A special collection held the weekend of Oct. 13-14 at Catholic churches in Maine raised over $81,000 to provide aid and support to victims recovering from Hurricane Florence, the earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, and other natural disasters that could occur this year, including wildfire relief in California.
According to a press release the diocese issued on Nov. 20, the proceeds are being donated to Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services, the official relief agencies of the U.S. Catholic Church. The agencies respond to immediate emergency needs and offer recovery support domestically and internationally, respectively.
The support is offered to all in need regardless of faith affiliation.
The diocese also announced that those wishing to donate directly to assist those suffering from the devastating wildfires in California can do so by visiting www.catholiccharitiesusa.org, calling 1-800-919-9338, or sending a check with “Wildfire Relief” on the memo line to: Catholic Charities USA, 2050 Ballenger Avenue, Suite 400, Alexandria, Va. 22314.
