PORTLAND

A special collection held on September 2-3 at Catholic churches throughout Maine raised $322,760 for victims of Hurricane Harvey, which caused massive damage to communities in Texas and Louisiana. All of the proceeds are being donated to Catholic Charities USA as they provide immediate relief, regardless of faith affiliation, and offer longterm recovery assistance.

“Once again, the people of the Diocese of Portland have met tragedy with generosity,” said Bishop Robert P. Deeley. “The size and scope of the devastation in these areas is still being measured, and the need for recovery support will last for years. These donations will not only help many individuals and families in need, but also provide a renewal of hope and a connection to the merciful love of God to the recipients.”

In the days following the hurricane, Catholic Charities USA mobilized staff members and has been offering emergency aid, case management, and shelter assistance to those displaced due to flooding or damage.

Catholic Charities is also supplying humanitarian aid and resources to ongoing relief efforts in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean. To help:

• Visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org;

• Call 1-703-549-1390 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 1-800-919-9338 after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays;

• Or send a check, payable to Catholic Charities USA and marked “Hurricane Relief,” to Catholic Charities USA, P.O. Box 17066, Baltimore, MD 21297.

Catholic Charities assures donors that 100 percent of funds raised will go directly towards disaster efforts.

For more information, contact Dave Guthro, Communications Director for the Diocese of Portland, at (207) 321-7810 or dave.guthro@portlanddiocese.org.

• Catholic Charities assures donors that 100 percent of funds raised will go directly toward disaster efforts.

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