Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, and the Board of the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation announced Monday a pledge of one million dollars for immediate aid to the victims of Hurricane Sandy. 

“For the first time in recent history, a force of nature has left large communities in the greater metropolitan area of New York without the basics of food, clothing and shelter,” Cardinal Dolan said in a statement.

Cardinal Dolan, the Chairman of the Smith Board said: “The Smith Foundation and its Board resolved early to do all it can to reach out to our neighbors and help. We are grateful to Catholic Charities for their participation and logistical support.”

Read more news on Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath here

The Smith Foundation is working with Catholic Charities and various other organizations to deliver the funds where they can quickly be put to use serving the most severely impacted local communities. Monies also will be made available through local Catholic parishes to address acute needs on the ground within local neighborhoods. 
 
“My great-grandfather, Governor Al Smith, devoted his life to caring for people in need,” said Alfred E. Smith IV,  the President of the Al Smith Memorial Foundation.

He added: “The Smith Board knew that, in keeping with his legacy and mission of this foundation, we had to respond swiftly to this crisis. These funds will go to people who are most in need.”  

The Al Smith Memorial Foundation is named in honor of Al Smith, former Governor of New York and the first Catholic candidate for President of The United States. Established in 1946, it has been in continuous operation ever since serving the neediest.