Catholic Charities USA Thanksgiving Message and Blessing

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Nov 23, 2011, 11:00 ET

"Do not forget the millions living in poverty that aren't as fortunate as we are"

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), among the nation's largest human services organizations working to reduce poverty in America, is mindful this Thanksgiving of the millions in our nation that face the challenges of hunger, unemployment, and homelessness. This week, as families with the resources to do so gather to share in thanks and gratitude, Rev. Larry Snyder, president of CCUSA, reminds us to reach out to those in need:

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"Soon, we will be sharing food around the Thanksgiving table with our friends and family. But we must not forget the millions of individuals living in poverty in communities across the country who are not as fortunate as we are.

"This is especially true around the holiday season, as food pantries face increased demand and some struggle to keep enough food stocked to meet the needs of individuals that seek assistance.

"Feeding the hungry is mandated by Scripture and is one of the core tenets of Catholic social justice. Across the country local agencies support a vast network of soup kitchens and food pantries, emergency shelters, temporary and transitional housing and permanent affordable housing, to help homeless families and individuals.

"On this Thanksgiving, I am eternally grateful for the backbone of the Catholic Charities network-- the hundreds of thousands of individuals that lend their hearts and hands at local Catholic Charities agencies each year.

"Our Catholic values, teachings, and traditions are the foundation for the work we do at CCUSA. I urge everyone to think of the millions of individuals living in poverty which represent children, single parents, and consider donating at least one dollar, one hour, one canned good, to support programs and services in your community that provide assistance to those in need."

Each year, Catholic Charities serves over 10 million people regardless of their religious, social or economic backgrounds. To learn more about the programs and services in your local community, please visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 10 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.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA