Catholic Charities USA Celebrates National Volunteer Week

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Apr 21, 2010, 12:33 ET

Recognizes a century of volunteer service

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In honor of the invaluable contributions volunteers make in helping to reduce poverty in America, during National Volunteer Week, Catholic Charities USA has launched a special Web page (http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/volunteers) to share the heart-felt stories of the individuals who symbolize the rich history of volunteer service and performance.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081008/CCUSALOGO)

Catholic Charities USA, which celebrates its Centennial this year, pauses to thank the millions of individuals and groups who have sustained the network for the past 100 years. These committed volunteers have secured housing for the homeless and working poor, assisted refugees in adjusting to their new lives in the United States, nourished the hungry, and shared their hearts and friendship with the elderly and vulnerable.

"A heartfelt thanks to these wonderful individuals who provide witness of God's preferential love for the poor and vulnerable in our society," said Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA. "They are truly doing God's work, delivering help and creating hope day-in and day-out, without seeking anything in return."

Each year, over 200,000 individuals lend their hearts and hands at local Catholic Charities agencies which serve nearly 9 million people each year of all faiths and diverse needs. Volunteers are the backbone of the Catholic Charities network, providing critical support to agencies on the forefront of the economic crisis.

As our country begins to recover from the economic crisis, Catholic Charities USA calls the nation to think and act anew and reaffirm our commitment to service on behalf of the poor. Visit http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org to find volunteer opportunities in your area.

Catholic Charities USA's members -- more than 1,700 local Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide -- provide help and create hope for nearly 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 celebrates its centennial anniversary. For more information, visit www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA