For Immediate Release:
November 25, 2009

Contact:  Roger Conner
(703) 236-6218

Catholic Charities USA Thanksgiving Message and Blessing

Alexandria, VA—As our nation celebrates this Thanksgiving day, Rev. Larry Snyder, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, issued the following message:

“May you and your loved ones be blessed on this Thanksgiving day, and in your gathering may you be ever mindful of the needs of others,” said Fr. Snyder. “Let us also give thanks for local Catholic Charities staff who continue to serve our least fortunate brothers and sisters despite increased demand and dwindling resources. By reaching out to the least among us, we all will prosper and enjoy a renewed spirit and recovery.”

A recent snapshot survey of local Catholic Charities agencies conducted by Catholic Charities USA reveals sobering details about hunger in America. Across the country, food services are in high demand as agencies are faced with reduced funding and staff layoffs. Food pantries are emptying faster than ever – some agencies are forced to turn people away.

“Our agencies are seeing new faces coming in for assistance. These are clients whose employment has run out, with no job to be found. . .people struggling to form a new way to live,” said Father Snyder.

Catholic Charities USA remains committed to its Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America by addressing the challenges of hunger, housing, economic security, education/job training, and health, as it leads into its 2010 Centennial year.

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Catholic Charities USA’s members—more than 1,700 local Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide—provide help and create hope for nearly 8.5 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrates its centennial anniversary.