Herald Staff Report
(From the issue of 1/6/05)

As of Jan. 3, the death toll from the tsunami in the Indian Ocean on Dec. 26 reached more than 150,000. Thousands more will be in need of food and shelter as they rebuild their lives. At least 11 countries have been affected by the earthquakes and resulting tidal waves.

Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde has asked all parishioners to assist by giving donations to a second collection that will be taken up at all Masses the weekend of Jan. 15-16. Funds collected in this appeal will be sent to Catholic Relief Service (CRS) to aid tsunami victims. Checks may be made payable to the parish and marked "Tsunami Emergency." Parishes will send money to the diocese, which will then forward funds CRS. For more information on CRS’s relief efforts or to make a direct donation by credit card visit www.catholicrelief.org or call 1-800-736-3467.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is also collecting donations for this relief effort. Donations marked for Disaster Relief can be sent to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Attn: Council Pres. 8927 Longstreet Dr., Manassas, Va. 20110-4968.

The Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) has launched an emergency appeal that will support efforts already underway by the local Church — including the distribution of rice, water, clothes and medicine. To make a donation visit www.cnewa.org/donate.htm, call 1-800-442-6392 or send checks payable to CNEWA to CNEWA, 1011 First Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10022-4195.