wfn.org | Income for ELCA World Hunger Appeal Exceeds Goal

[NEWS <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

April 7, 1999

INCOME FOR ELCA WORLD HUNGER APPEAL EXCEEDS GOAL
99-13-079-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Income for the 1998 World Hunger Appeal of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) surpassed the previous
year's total by more than $700,000.  The appeal earned more than $12.5
million in 1998, and $11.8 million in 1997.
     Members of the ELCA "faithfully supported the day-in and day-out
work to address the 'silent disaster' of hunger and poverty," said Lita
Brusick Johnson, director of the appeal, ELCA Division for
Congregational Ministries.  
     The success of the appeal is based largely on the "energy and
commitment of congregations, ELCA synods, church leaders and hunger
ministry networks," according to the Rev. John L. Halvorson, coordinator
for the world hunger program, ELCA Division for Church in Society.  
     Synods of the ELCA generated $9.6 million, and giving from
individuals and congregations totaled more than $2 million for 1998. 
The ELCA is made up of about 5.2 million members in 11,000 congregations
in the United States and Caribbean.  The ELCA has 65 synods.
     The income projection for 1998 was $11.9 million.  Of the $12.5
million received, 72.4 percent is spent fighting hunger and poverty
overseas.  Almost 12 percent is spent in direct relief and community
development in the United States. Another 9.5 percent provides
educational resources for the church, hunger advocacy work and
environmental stewardship efforts.  The remaining 6.2 percent is spent
on administration and fund-raising expenses.  
     The goal for the 1999 ELCA World Hunger Appeal is $12.6 million. 
     The ELCA is celebrating the World Hunger Appeal's 25th anniversary
this year. Some congregations of the ELCA will mark the anniversary by
using the number 25 in fund-raising activities throughout the year, said
Johnson.  In addition, members of the church will pray, conduct
"services of recommitment" and plan activities and offerings in
celebration of the appeal during a special 25-day period -- Nov. 1-25,
1999.  
     Under the theme "25-in-25" ELCA members can put aside an extra 25
cents a day or week for a given time, contribute 25 shares of
appreciated stock, or invite youth groups to sponsor special anniversary
fund-raising events, Johnson said.
     The ELCA World Hunger Appeal was established at the 1987
Constituting Convention of the ELCA.  Churches that formed the ELCA
launched world hunger appeals in 1974.  Since that time the appeals have
earned more than $200 million.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html