Catholic Charities has announced that its Appeal 2020 concluded on June 30 with $8.4 million, only 84% of the drive's $10 million goal.
Not only did the appeal miss its 2020 goal, it raised less than last year. The 2019 campaign brought in more than $9.3 million.
“We are currently evaluating and understand we may need to make some tough decisions in the future," said Catholic Charities CEO and President Deacon Steve Schumer.
Schumer said Catholic Charities provided services to more than 29,000 individuals and families of all faiths just in the three-month period of the coronavirus pandemic. Assistance to its nine food pantries during those three months was up 37% compared to the same time last year.
The organization expressed its gratitude to Western New Yorkers who stepped up to offer "hope and help" through their contributions.
“The pandemic has impacted all of us in some way, but what Catholic Charities is able to provide to our community has never been needed more by so many,” said Appeal Chair Rick Cronin.
