Flood appeal announced

Bishop Howard J. Hubbard has announced a special collection in all parishes of the Albany Diocese this weekend to assist those affected by recent flooding in Delaware, Otsego, Fulton, Montgomery and Herkimer counties.

The five counties are within the borders of the Diocese.

In a letter to Catholics, the Bishop pointed to "some exceptional needs" that resulted from the flooding in June and July, such as "many residents of the Senior Housing Community in Delhi, Delaware County, who lost everything. These seniors have very low fixed incomes, and many face the challenge to find affordable housing and to start rebuilding their lives."

He also pointed to farmers in Schoharie County as being hard hit when their crops were destroyed by floodwaters.

"The struggle to meet basic human needs will last long after the cleanup is over," the Bishop said. "Affordable, safe housing has to be found; children need to prepare for the upcoming school year; there is need to replace warm winter clothing, and to pay for heat and electricity."

Donations to the special collection can be sent to 2006 Diocesan Flood Relief, c/o Catholic Charities, 40 N. Main Ave., Albany 12203.

(8/10/06) [[In-content Ad]]