CHARLOTTE — Catholics from 48 parishes across the Diocese of Charlotte raised $102,663.56 through a special collection to aid victims of the Los Angeles wildfires.
Fueled by severe drought conditions and strong winds, the wildfires devastated communities in late January, killing at least 29 people and leaving hundreds homeless or stranded.
Funds from the special collection, taken up at Masses the weekend of Feb. 1-2, went to support Los Angeles Catholic Charities’ relief efforts. All funds raised help individuals and families in the impacted communities. Financial support is providing life-giving essentials – such as water, food, diapers and baby formula – and also is helping with long-term recovery efforts, as individuals and families work to rebuild their lives.
“Other dioceses gave us over $1.2 million from their second collections to support us in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene,” said Jim Kelley, the diocese’s development director. “We are so grateful for their support that we thought it was imperative that we return the favor for those affected by the California wildfires.”
— Catholic News Herald