Parishes and schools of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles have raised $2,844,455 to assist those affected by hurricane damage in the Gulf States, said Msgr. Royale M. Vadakin, Moderator of the Curia and Vicar General.

Contributions are being divided among the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the Diocese of Biloxi, and Catholic Charities locally for resettlement efforts and the rest nationally.

Checks should be sent to: Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Hurricane Relief Fund, 3424 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010.

As of Oct. 10, Catholic Charities USA has distributed more than $9.4 million to 50 local Catholic Charities and other Catholic organizations responding to the needs of families affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In all, more than 70 local Catholic Charities agencies nationwide are helping hurricane victims.