Catholic Charities of Buffalo will offer a naturalization workshop for those looking to become United States citizens on May 15 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 228 Albany St., Buffalo, the school site on the former Nativity Campus. Eligible candidates must be 18 years of age or older, have had a green card for at least four years and be able to read, write and speak basic English. Participants must bring: Green Cards for all family members; social security cards for each family member; two passport-sized photos of each applicant or $6 money order for each applicant to have photos taken; 2011 tax return and/or proof of Medicaid, food stamps or public assistance from the Department of Social Services or supplemental security income letter; list of all employment and addresses from the past five years; and list of all travel since becoming a permanent resident of the United States. Space is limited.

All proceeds from annual fundraiser will help to update recreational equipment
and fund recreational activities for at-risk children

Less than one month after Appeal Week 2013 ended, volunteers for the annual Appeal in support of Catholic Charities of Buffalo must raise $1 million more to reach this year’s $10.7 million campaign goal. Today, the organization announced $9,738,391.31 has been raised in cash and pledges, representing 91 percent of the goal. Appeal officials said this is right on track with where the 2012 Appeal stood at this time last year.

Appeal Week 2013, held March 17-24, marked the strongest push for parish donations to support the myriad programs Catholic Charities offers, including behavioral health services, food pantries, basic relief services, the refugee assistance program, and counseling for individuals, children and families.

The 2013 Appeal ends June 30 and efforts to increase support from lapsed and new donors will continue in parishes, schools and the corporate community.