Catholic Charities AIDS Services has kicked off its Annual Appeal in conjunction with the recognition of World AIDS Day on December 1.

World AIDS Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people, with an estimated 38.6 million people living with HIV, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. New Center for Disease Control estimates indicate that the numbers of new infections are up to 40 percent higher than previously believed in the United States.

On a local level, Catholic Charities AIDS Services is dedicated to Helping in Hope by providing case management, transportation, syringe access and financial assistance to those living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS and their families in the 10-county area we serve.

We have all had to make hard decisions and choices about how to conserve energy and gas, cut food costs, whether to keep a car another year or cancel a vacation this year. Imagine if you were a person with HIV/AIDS living on just $721 a month. What choices would you have to make about purchasing nutritious food, transportation to medical appointments, keeping your apartment warm in the winter or buying new winter boots? Those we serve make these choices every day and often go without because of the economy and how far they must make their budgets stretch, even in a good month.

A donation or pledge of $100 will pay for gift cards to grocery stores to assist two families with meeting their emergency food needs. Or it will cover 2-3 months of phone coverage for a client’s apartment. This amount can pay for one order to the food bank to gather household items to assist 10-15 clients and their families. $500 would pay for a moving van to transport donated furniture to a client’s new apartment or pay a security deposit.

Providing service access and concrete assistance to nearly 700 individuals and their family members a year requires continued resources and flexibility as an agency. Contact the agency if you wish to donate to our appeal today by calling 449-3581 or going to www.ccaidsalbany.org and donating on-line via PayPal.