Project Love!
A Youth Service Campaign Sponsored by Catholic Charities
PITTSBURGH, PA – Catholic Charities’ will be kicking off a youth service campaign this month entitled “Project Love” with the support of a big guy with a big heart. Max Starks, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 6.8”, 300-plus-pound offensive lineman has agreed to serve as honorary chairperson of “Project Love,” a program for children, teens and young adults who want to make a difference in the lives of the needy right here in Western Pennsylvania .
The premise of “Project Love” is for youth to create and manage their own fundraising service project with limited help from adults. The program, which began more than 10 years ago in several Catholic schools, is being expanded this year to include youth and young adult ministry programs. Along with broadening the scope of “Project Love,” Catholic Charities is also taking a fresh approach to the presentation of this program and is grateful for Starks for “throwing his weight” behind this cause. All proceeds raised through “Project Love” go directly into the Catholic Charities Caritas Fund, which provides tangible assistance to those in need. More than 1,224 individuals received help through the agency’s Information and Referral Services office last year, including food, housing, utility and transportation assistance. And the need continues to grow each year.
“I learned compassion from working in my family’s funeral business, starting with passing your programs to mourners at age 4,” said 24-year old Starks. “What I love about ‘Project Love’ is that it comes from children and directly helps those who need it most.”
“Project Love” fundraisers have included dances, Money Weeks, Hat Days and Dress Down Days – anything that young people love to do. “The kids involved in Project Love will experience the true meaning of giving while working together to share their love with those who need it most,” said the Honorable Patricia McCullough, executive director for Catholic Charities, who is excited about this collaborative effort. “When it comes from the church and young people get behind it, it can only bear the fruit of renewed and deepened faith in the Lord.”
“Project Love” will conclude on Valentines Day. The top youth fundraisers will receive recognition for their efforts and will be presented with awards and prizes at their church or school. For more information about “Project Love: contact Catholic Charities’ Office for Advancement at 412-456-6969.
###
For Immediate Release Contact: Angie Wagner 412-456-6968
September 7, 2006
About Catholic Charities
Rooted in the Gospel and the life-affirming principles of Catholic social teaching, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh has been serving the people of Southwestern Pennsylvania since 1910 without regard to race, gender, age, income, or creed. Through offices in six counties – Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence, and Washington – Catholic Charities offers a wide range of programs and series designed to strengthen families and empower the poor to work toward self-sufficiency. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation.