Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
St. Nicholas Partners Appeal 2024
Click on the red button above to become a St. Nicholas Partner and donate online to Catholic Charities of Arkansas. Like the card and envelope inserted in Arkansas Catholic, the online form also allows you to give your donation to the Catholic Charities' ministry or program of your choice. For more information, contact Megan Moore, office administrator of Catholic Charities of Arkansas at (501) 664-0340.
St. Nicholas Partners is an annual appeal to raise money for the following ministries of Catholic Charities of Arkansas, all of which provide services to the most poor and vulnerable among us: immigration services, prison ministry, the free medical clinic, services to victims of domestic violence, refugee resettlement, parish outreach and post-adoption services. The 2023 appeal raised more than $9,000.
Q. How is this different from other fundraisers?
A. It’s different in two ways. First, “partners” (donors) may designate which Catholic Charities’ program(s) they want their contribution to support. There is also an option to give where the funds are most needed. Second, because the appeal occurs right before Christmas, a donation on behalf of a friend or family member makes a perfect gift.
If making a donation in honor of a loved one, please mail your donation before Dec. 15 using this form and mail to: St. Nicholas Partners, Catholic Charities of Arkansas, P.O. Box 7239, Little Rock, AR 72217-7239. Just indicate on the donation form who the gift is for, and we will send them an acknowledgment of your gift.
Q. What makes St. Nicholas Partners special?
A. Each year, a new card depicting St. Nicholas is specially designed and created for the appeal. These beautiful cards are Catholic Charities’ Christmas greeting to you, and an invitation to become a partner by supporting the ministry of your choice.
The artwork for this year's card was chosen from an art contest for students in Arkansas’ Catholic schools. Cash prizes are awarded for the three best designs and are given to the artist and to the school the young artist attends. The artwork was judged by Catholic Charities of Arkansas staff.
This year’s winner is Jack Moore, a ninth-grade student at Catholic High School in Little Rock. He is the son of Casey and Pitt Moore. Ella McAfee, a seventh grader from St. Joseph School in Fayetteville, won second place, and Luke Schmiegelow, a 10th grader from Catholic High School in Little Rock, won third place.
Q. Anything else I should know?
A. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people living in poverty in the United States was 36.8 million in 2023. That was 11.1 percent of the total population.
- Deep Poverty Rate (income below half the poverty level): 5.2 percent
- Poverty Rate for Women: 11.9 percent
- Poverty Rate for Men: 10.2 percent
- Senior Poverty Rate (65 and older): 9.7 percent
- Poverty Rate for Children (0-18): 15.3 percent
The following statistics reveal the level of poverty in Arkansas:
- Overall Poverty Rate: 15.7 percent
- Counties with Highest Poverty Rate: 1.) Lee County, 35.1 percent; 2.) Phillips County, 34.9 percent; 3.) St. Francis County, 34.4 percent
Among those living in poverty are wage earners who have lost jobs, seniors who can’t afford medicine and families living on minimum wage. These are our friends and neighbors. Many who receive assistance from Catholic Charities of Arkansas find the holiday season particularly painful. Please help us continue to help them by supporting St. Nicholas Partners this year. For more information, contact Megan Moore, office administrator of Catholic Charities of Arkansas at (501) 664-0340, ext. 379.
