This is a year like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges for everyone, but particularly the poor and vulnerable. Each August, we recognize Catholic Charities’ Month, a time to reflect on the year and pray for an end to poverty. We are pleased that, despite the pandemic, we have continued to provide our programs and services throughout the Diocese of Joliet. We remain committed to our mission, even in the worst of times.

This year has been very busy as Catholic Charities is on the frontline of the pandemic, providing food, shelter, basic need items, counseling, and support to an increasing number of individuals and families. The agency adjusted services to provide for safe social distancing and sheltering in place. Staff developed innovative ways to serve, including touchless drive-thru mobile food pantries, where clients never leave their vehicles, and temporarily relocating homeless shelter clients to hotels.

Charitable donations always dip in the summer, but the need in our community is greater than ever before. Throughout the pandemic, Catholic Charities has remained open and available.

Please consider making a gift to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, in honor of Catholic Charities’ Month. Your donation will help support the programs and services that have become even more vital to the community in recent months.

Gifts to Catholic Charities can be made by calling 815-724-1140 or at www.catholiccharitiesjoliet.org (click “donate”). Thank you for your generosity and compassion during this difficult time.

To learn more about Catholic Charities, visit catholiccharitiesjoliet.org.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, is a faith-based organization providing service to people in need and calling others of good will to do the same.