As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, we are fortunate, as followers of Christ, to turn to our faith to give us strength during these difficult times. As a result, the Orange Catholic Foundation has established the Catholic Emergency Response Fund. The purpose of this emergency fund is to provide support to parishes, Catholic schools, and Catholic nonprofit charities allowing them to increase their services to meet basic human needs and address unexpected financial hardships.

Photo Courtesy of San Francisco Solano Food Pantry, 2018

According to United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the COVID-19 pandemic is having and will impact already overstretched social programs and services. Chris O’Connor, Distribution Director at the San Francisco Solano Food Pantry, expresses the concerns of his community and his optimism for the future. “Since the pandemic, our numbers have increased from 120 families to 140, senior citizens have come to us in a panic, and financial contributions have gone down. Fortunately, we have huge purchasing power where $100 can go a long way and provide over 700 meals!” says Chris O’Connor. “I know in times of trouble, our community will come together.”

The Pantry has increased in clients in the past months. As the number of cases rise in Orange County, the need will become even greater.

In addition, our parishes are stretched on staffing resources and they are finding creative ways to keep parishioners connected while raising essential funds to maintain operations. During this unprecedented time of uncertainty, now more than ever, parishes, ministries, and vulnerable families in the Diocese of Orange need our help.

Photo Courtesy of Office of Life, Justice and Peace, Diocese of Orange

You can support by donating today to the Catholic Emergency Response Fund. Due to working remotely, the most efficient way to give is to donate online by visiting OrangeCatholicFoundation.org/emergency or mail to: Orange Catholic Foundation | 13280 Chapman Avenue, Suite 430 | Garden Grove, CA 92840. We also accept stock and wire transfer gifts, tangible gifts, and complex assets. For more information, please contact 714.282.3021.

Hope remains abundant throughout our Catholic community. The Lord’s work is being administered through our pastors, our parish ministries and outreach programs and all who continue to serve those in need during this crucial time.

“The proof of love is in the works; it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.” -Pope St. Gregory the Great

As we keep our families and loved ones close to our hearts, let us also remember to pray and care for our friends and neighbors who are struggling as a result of COVID-19. Together, as one Body in Christ, we can be a light to others and help change lives for the better. To give to the Catholic Emergency Response Fund and help ease the burden being felt by many families and individuals in our faith community, visit OrangeCatholicFoundation.org/emergency or email us at [email protected].