During National Volunteer Month, Catholic Charities Is Recognizing Its More Than 2,500 Active Volunteers For Their Selfless, Ongoing Service During Covid-19 Pandemic

Volunteers Assisted In Delivering Almost $4 Million In Food And Emergency Rental And Utility Assistance Alone During 2020 Pandemic Response

Catholic Charities Mounts #FindYourJoy Volunteer Campaign 

ARLINGTON, Va. - During National Volunteer Month, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington is recognizing the contributions and overall impact of its more than 2,500 volunteers, 1,148 of whom were new, this past year. The combined contribution of these volunteers amounted to more than 59,880 hours of service enabling the organization to provide nearly $4 million in food, rent and utility assistance through 84,000 client visits from March to December.

“These dedicated volunteers fill critical roles throughout our agency. In spite of the pandemic, they continued to provide healthcare to the sick, collect and distribute food to the hungry, welcome refugees and migrants to new homes, minister to those in prison, and serve those seeking a better education or job skills,” said Stephen Carattini, President and CEO, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. “Quite simply, without our volunteers, we would not be able to fulfill our mission.” For the full statement, visit here.

This month, Catholic Charities launched #FindYourJoy, a social media campaign to encourage individuals, particularly young people, to volunteer with one of its various service ministries. As part of the campaign, Catholic Charities is sharing stories of extraordinary volunteers, whose service enabled the organization to feed, house, clothe, educate and mentor people experiencing need during the pandemic, on its Facebook page.

Catholic Charities' March to December COVID-19 assistance includes 1.6 million pounds of food delivered through 82,313 client visits, an increase of 134% in clients served from the previous year, and $1.2 million in rent and utility assistance to nearly 1,500 households, a 233% increase in families served from the previous year.

Catholic Charities operates 21 ministries throughout the 21 counties and seven cities of the Diocese. In March 2020, the organization quickly modified services for the safety of clients, volunteers and employees in order to continue supporting individuals and families during the response to COVID-19. To offer material or financial support to Catholic Charities, visit ccda.net/give-help/serve-those-in-need/material-and-financial-assistance/

Anyone interested in donating food or in need of assistance should go to the website of their local Catholic parish or visit Catholic Charities' website at ccda.net. 

For more information, contact Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, at 571-215-8731 or Amber.Roseboom@arlingtondiocese.org.

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Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington serves the poor and vulnerable who live within the 21 counties and seven cities of the Diocese of Arlington, which is led by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. Catholic Charities provides food for the hungry, a free medical clinic for adults including prenatal care, adoption services, transformational housing for the homeless, mental health counseling, emergency financial assistance, prison ministry, workforce development, and immigration and refugee services. Catholic Charities serves all, regardless of faith.www.ccda.net.