Catalog of Hope aids world relief efforts

Today is three days before Christmas, and World Relief is hoping you'll consider investing in a gift that will do some good while saving you another trip to the mall.

The organization, which helps resettle refugees around the world, has put together a Catalog of Hope as part of a new fundraising effort this year.

Donors can give as little as $15 or as much as $7,500 or more to support specific World Relief programs in Burundi, Cambodia, Haiti, the United States and many other countries.

The money will be used for a variety of purposes, including vaccinations for children, school supplies, seeds for planting crops, bicycles, car seats and much more.

World Relief was looking for a more meaningful way to celebrate the holidays than the conspicuous consumption Christmas has come to represent, said Jan Kary, senior vice president of marketing.

The staff decided to take a page from the Advent Conspiracy, which promotes a simpler, more compassionate holiday with less consumption.

So they put together the Catalog of Hope.

"It's doing something besides giving 47 bread makers to 47 people who may not even need a bread maker," Kary said. "We thought, let's give bread to somebody who really needs bread."

Many of World Relief's clients need bread and other basic needs. The organization works with churches in many of the poorest war-torn nations in the world and helps relocate refugees.

World Relief was founded in the Wheaton area and was based there until a few years ago when the headquarters relocated to Baltimore.

A resettlement office is still located in Wheaton and many refugees come into the United States each year and settle into DuPage communities with the help of staff and partner churches.

They often come with little more than the clothes on their backs after fleeing violence or living for years in refugee camps.

There are many more who remain in the camps or villages around the world.

The Catalog of Hope will raise funds to help many different efforts. Donors can be assured that when they give money for a specific country or purpose, the funds will go directly to that program, Kary said.

Money also may be donated to World Relief without a designated program. World Relief will determine where the money is most needed.

Unrestricted donations also will be matched by federal funds, Kary noted.

Giving to the Catalog of Hope effort is like giving twice. Not only does it benefit someone else, but you feel good yourself because you've helped others, Kary said.

On Sunday, churches across the country will be collecting their donations for the Catalog of Hope. Some have been raising money for weeks with a specific goal in mind. Others will simply take a collection.

Individuals also can donate at www.wr.org and follow the Christmas at World Relief link. For those without a computer, donations may be made by calling (800) 535-5433 or by mailing a check to World Relief, 7 E. Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21202.

How to help

• Last-minute shoppers may find gift ideas at World Relief's Catalog of Hope, where donations of $15 to $7,500 will help programs in Burundi, Cambodia, Haiti, the United States and many other countries. To make donations, visit www.wr.org or call (800) 535-5433.