Catholic Charities Preparing to Assist Joplin Tornado Victims

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May 23, 2011, 02:16 ET

Most Recent Devastation Follows Other Spring Storms and Flooding, Creating Huge Financial Need for Human Support

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) and Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri stand ready to assist with relief efforts and serve the growing human need in the aftermath of the tornado that has devastated Joplin, Mo.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081008/CCUSALOGO )

"This has been an absolutely brutal Spring Storm season in the U.S. and now our hearts are saddened once again and our resources tested by this disaster in Joplin," said Kathleen King, SVP of External Relations for CCUSA. "From the earlier tornadoes in Alabama, to the recent flooding, to this downtown devastation in Missouri--the human need is huge and donations are essential."

Over the past month, CCUSA has been coordinating with Catholic Charities agencies to provide food, clothing and shelter for victims of the Alabama tornadoes, and most recently, for the flood-impacted areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The severity of the situations has created a huge need for financial donations to support the assistance efforts. Now, the disaster that has cut through the heart of Joplin further increases the need.

Catholic Charities not only joins forces with all other disaster first responders to deliver immediate relief, but also stays the course over a long period of time - often a year or more - to provide case management services for all individuals and families that need extended help to put their lives back together and find employment.

To contribute help and support to those in need in these areas and others, please visit the Catholic Charities USA disaster donation Web page.

For more information about Catholic Charities USA visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 9 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 celebrated its centennial anniversary and introduced new federal legislation – the National Opportunity and Community Renewal Act (NOCRA) – to transform the nation's approach to poverty.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA