The annual diocesan Poverty Relief Fund Collection provides an opportunity to help the less fortunate in our Diocese, with collection will be held in parishes the weekend of Nov. 18-19.

The funds are used to support nonprofit organizations and parish charitable groups that help people in need in the five counties of our Diocese: Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill.

“The Poverty Relief Collection is an example of the generosity of the faithful people of the Diocese of Allentown,” said Monsignor David James, Vicar General. “Our parishes routinely help the poor and needy in their midst, and this collection adds to those local efforts.”

Thanks to the generosity of donors, a total of $94,000 in grants were awarded after last year’s collection.

The funds provided such things as food for the hungry; baby food and diapers; clothing and coats for needy families; fuel, utility, shelter, housing, and transportation costs; medical and hospice care; and counseling for school students.

Parishioners can donate to the collection at their parishes or by going to the website at https://www.allentowndiocese.org/poverty-relief.

Parishes and groups are encouraged to submit grant applications by mail or by using the online form at https://www.allentowndiocese.org/poverty-relief.

This year’s application deadline is Friday, Dec. 15.