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 Providing help to enable all to live healthy and fulfilling lives

 

Dear Friends of Catholic Charities,

 
I am certain that everyone reading this letter has been somehow touched by the many problems spawned by the very difficult economic times we have been experiencing during the past year.

 

Then, as we entered the New Year of 2010, came the freezing weather in southwest Florida that devastated the growers and left more unemployment than ever before. Next, the earthquake in Haiti with all of its human consequences is brining many children and families to Florida seeking shelter and help of all kinds.

 

A letter from a donor to our 8th Annual Christmas Appeal tells it best. "Sorry, I can send only this small gift as I lost my job this year. I hope it will help some. Please pray for me."

 

Please read the Annual Report 2009 to get an overview of the many services provided to those in need by our dedicated staff and faithful volunteers in the 36 program of Catholic Charities in our ten-county Diocese of Venice. Click HERE to read the 2009 Annual Report.

 

Numbers alone cannot begin to tell the story of the many families and individuals who came to Catholic Charities during this most challenging year, but the numbers are significant and factual.

 

The overall statistic that identifies the number of children, families and individuals Catholic Charities served--41,112--embodies the stories of jobs and homes lost to a volatile economy and the ensuing problems of poverty and hunger.

 

Thank you for your wonderful support of the work of Catholic Charities both as volunteers and as financial and in-kind donors. We are grateful and appreciative of your generosity to our Christmas Appeal and most especially for your prayers.

 

May God bless you and yours,

Peter Routsis-Arroyo
Chief Executive Officer
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc.