Contact:             

Lindsay Hansen                              

Catholic Charities                         

480.205.6195                    

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (Nov.7, 2008)… Catholic Charities in Yavapai County is counting on community support to help make the holidays a little bit brighter this year.  Beginning today, individuals, churches, schools, businesses and civic groups are invited to Adopt-A-Family through Catholic Charities and help provide food, clothing and basic necessities for families in need. 

“The economy has many families worried about day to day expenses like rent, utilities and gas,” said Cathy B. Peterson, Catholic Charities regional director.  “Purchasing a turkey, toys and clothes for the holidays is just out of the question when they are struggling to get by.  We are hoping the community will come together to support these vulnerable families and individuals.”

Catholic Charities’ Adopt-A-Family program will serve existing, low-income clients who reside in Yavapai County and need a little extra help during the holidays. For businesses or individuals who wish to Adopt-A-Family this may include buying new clothes, food and toys. Each participating group will receive a wish list for the family they are adopting to make shopping easy. Monetary donations will also be accepted.  Catholic Charities will use the cash to purchase gift cards at local stores for those families in need.  Donations and gifts for the Adopt-A-Family program will be accepted through Thursday, Dec. 18. 

The agency’s North Star Youth Partnership will also be individually collecting donations of art supplies, toiletry items, toys, games, and gift cards for children and teens as part of their Holiday Gift Box project. 

Collection boxes will be available at several community locations: Prescott Valley Charter School, Prescott High School, Primavera School, Wulfsberg Electronics and Orthopaedic Specialists of Central Arizona. Donations will be accepted through Friday, Dec. 12.

For the past 20 years, Catholic Charities has been helping families during the holidays through their Adopt-A-Family program.  For more information or to help, contact Jean Littlehale, director of programs and services, at 778-2531, ext. 54022.

About Catholic Charities

Founded in 1933, Catholic Charities Community Services is one of Arizona’s oldest and largest nonprofit organizations which offers a diverse range of social services that strengthen families, protect and nurture children, and support people in crisis.  Catholic Charities serves people of all ages and faiths.  Last year, the charitable organization provided over 50 programs at 100 locations to more than 200,000 people in central and northern Arizona.  Catholic Charities is a member organization of Catholic Charities USA which is the largest private network of social service organizations in the United States working to support families, reduce poverty, and build communities.  The organization is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Children and Family Services.  To learn more about Catholic Charities visit CatholicCharitiesAZ.org.

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