Catholic Charities agencies rally to meet needs of hurricane victims

Published: 2004-08-23

VENICE, Fla. (CNS) -- As relief efforts began for the victims of Hurricane Charley, Catholic Charities offices from around the state rallied to meet the needs of the victims in their own communities. The morning after the Aug. 13 storm, Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Venice sent an advisory offering assistance to any parishioners in need of hurricane recovery relief. Bob Sullenberger, coordinator of the diocesan disaster preparedness plan, immediately started up the diocesan amateur radio network from the Catholic Center in Venice. According to Peter Routsis-Arroyo, president of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Venice, the organization distributed nonperishable foods and water from the campuses of three Catholic Charities offices and three parishes in the areas that were hardest hit.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .