The Catholic Charities Appeal, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's main annual fundraising event that supports various organizations and ministries within the Church, is going on now.

The goal for this year's appeal is $12.5 million, which will provide hope to thousands of people in need. So far, the drive has raised 25% of the target amount.

“The Catholic Charities Appeal brings hope where hope is needed most,” Archbishop Nelson Perez said on Twitter as he urged people to donate. “From Center City, to the suburbs, from the suburban communities to our most distressed communities, almost a million people each year receive hope through the Catholic Charities Appeal.”

Donations are essential to reach this goal, and the Archdiocese is counting on people to be generous and support this cause, according to Catholic Charities Appeal’s website.

The Catholic Charities Appeal was established by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1958 as a way to provide financial support for social services. The Catholic Charities Appeal currently helps to provide financial support to more than 180 organizations, programs and ministries that offer assistance to nearly one million people from diverse backgrounds annually, the group said on its website.

The Catholic Charities Appeal provides support to beneficiaries in five primary areas: education, social services, evangelization, parish and spiritual life, clergy and local mission activities.

The Catholic Charities Appeal provides support to more than 100 organizations and programs under Catholic Social Services and Nutritional Development Services. Catholic Human Services positively impacted almost 640,000 individuals last year. Additionally, more than 5,800 seniors were served, 100 students received tuition assistance in Schools of Special Education and 121 retired priests received care and support. There are 18 Programs and Offices providing Evangelization, Parish & Spiritual Life to the community, and 18 Mission Parishes serving over 50,000 parishioners. The Appeal also provides pregnancy and parenting support to thousands, according to Catholic Charities Appeal.