As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, the Poverty Relief Collection provides an opportunity to help the less fortunate in our Diocese.
The annual Poverty Relief Collection will be held in parishes this coming weekend, November 19 and 20.
The funds are used to support non-profit organizations and parish charitable groups that help people in need in the five counties of our Diocese: Schuylkill, Northampton, Lehigh, Carbon, and Berks.
Last year, thanks to the generosity of donors, a total of $91,450 in grants went to provide such things as hospice and medical care, food for the hungry, clothing, shelter, counseling, and aid for disadvantaged families.
The annual collection is traditionally held the weekend before Thanksgiving, providing the opportunity for the faithful to use charity as a means of giving thanks to God for His blessings.
Contributions to the Poverty Relief Fund can also be made online at www.allentowndiocese.org/poverty-relief.
Projects and organizations, including St. Vincent de Paul Societies, which involve active participation from Diocesan parishes, schools, and other ministries, are encouraged to apply for Poverty Relief Grants. The application deadline is December 16. Guidelines and applications are at www.allentowndiocese.org/poverty-relief.