Catholic Charities 2014 Appeal Week will take place throughout the Diocese of Buffalo from April 6 to 13. This is the 90th annual appeal week for Catholic Charities which celebrates the support of Western New Yorkers who have made contributions to the appeal, and encourages those who have not already donated to do so.

Appeal Week marks the strongest push for donations, with more than 700 volunteers working to achieve the final goal of $10.8 million. If necessary, their efforts will continue throughout the coming months until the conclusion of Catholic Charities' fiscal year on June 30.

Parish appeal teams and pastors have attended appeal workshops and conducted a number of efforts in their churches leading up to Appeal Week, such as hosting speakers to talk about the impact of Catholic Charities, holding donor registration, and providing the opportunity to donate on the spot during Mass through the In-Pew program.

Youth ministry groups are holding bowl-a-thons and schools, like Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament in Depew, are conducting "Silver Wars" and PI Day to benefit the appeal. "Silver Wars" is a competition between homeroom classes where students collect as many pennies as possible. Opposing homeroom classes will drop silver coins into the jars to cancel out the pennies.

The many services benefiting from the appeal include behavioral health services, food pantries, basic relief services, counseling for individuals, children and families, and the refugee assistance program.

As part of this year's 2014 Appeal, a 1999 Harley-Davidson Road King, donated to Catholic Charities, will be raffled on Friday, May 9, at noon, at Catholic Charities Montante Administrative Center, 741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo. Raffle tickets are available for $100 each, with a maximum of 200 tickets being sold. Tickets may be purchased by calling 716-218-1400.

For 90 years, Catholic Charities has been making a difference for people of every faith and ethnicity in Western New York.

Catholic Charities empowers children, families and seniors to achieve meaningful, healthy and productive lives. It is the most comprehensive human service provider serving Western New York. For the fifth consecutive year, Catholic Charities has attained the highest-possible rating from Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management. Catholic Charities also receives highest ratings for quality of service provided and financial health/accountability as rated by the Council of Accreditation and Charity Navigator.

For more information on Catholic Charities go to the website or call 716-218-1400.