While I was at the office these past few weeks, I have to confess my attention was being split between the tasks at hand at The Observer and diocesan administration and checking my phone for the latest news and updates on Hurricanes Helene and Milton. My concern has been with all my friends and relatives in both the Carolinas and in Florida.
My family has been through hurricane weather before. In fact, my second daughter worked through three consecutive hurricanes during her time as a Disney Cast Member as part of Disney’s college program. And my son worked on the beach in Florida teaching surfing, paddle boarding, etc. and had to ride out a hurricane for the business. Yes, we have stories to tell and white hair as a product of worry.
But Hurricane Milton had me especially worried because of its strength and the fact that it was scheduled to directly hit my relatives in Tampa.
Well, everyone is fine. All the family, both in the Carolinas and in Florida are still dealing with some after effects, but nothing too daunting. They are fortunate in a place where many are not. In Florida, as I write this, needs are still being assessed as the cleanup continues.
Back here in our northern diocese, folks are asking, “What are we doing to help the hurricane victims?”
The first thing to do in a situation like this is to focus. Our good nature compels us sometimes to rush in and “fix it.”
But bear in mind that much of the time the real impact and needs resulting from a catastrophe aren’t immediately apparent — meaning those in need don’t even know what they need.
That’s when our Catholic sensibilities need to kick in.
The Catholic Church has one of the greatest networks on the planet — and part of that network is Catholic Charities. In most all the 194 dioceses in the United States, Catholic Charities works to help people with emergency assistance. They know the local people, and they know what they need and how to serve them in and outside of times of disaster.
As an example, in this issue on page 12 there is a brief story about Bishop Michael Martin unloading a truck of relief supplies at a Catholic school in Hendersonville, North Carolina.
Don’t be swayed by pop-up relief efforts. If you want to provide help — help that is really needed — go to where the servants know their sheep. Help those agencies like Catholic Charities that are on the ground before, during and after every single disaster as well as through the daily challenges and struggles of those in need.
Make no mistake, I am not disparaging other efforts. God bless all those who help. I’m sure we’ve all been asked lately by some retailers to ‘round-up’ our purchases or donate a dollar for hurricane relief, and that’s okay. I give some here and there even when I’m not exactly sure where my dollars are going. Don’t get me wrong, I applaud corporations for getting involved in charitable efforts but when Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services, or other religious relief organizations get busy in a disaster, it’s not to promote their brand, it’s to serve God through serving others. It’s Matthew 25 being lived out day in and day out.
So if you want to help the folks reeling from the recent hurricanes, here are some links for you to donate to the areas most in need in Florida and in North Carolina. If you don’t want to donate online, here I’ve provided some addresses for you.
Catholic Charities St. Petersburg, https://www.ccdosp.org/donate/ or mail to Catholic Charities | Gift Processing | P.O. Box 40200 | St. Petersburg, FL 33743-0200
Catholic Charities Central Florida, https://www.ccdosp.org/donate/ or mail to 1819 Semorare Blvd., Orlando, FL 32807
Catholic Charities of Charlotte, NC, https://www.ccdosp.org/donate/ or mail to 1123 S. Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203
In the meantime, continue to pray for everyone involved in the relief efforts, especially prayers of thanks for all those who have a servant’s heart when the needs are greatest.
