WASHINGTON (AP) -- The president of Catholic Charities USA says humanitarian needs resulting from the Gulf oil spill are far outstripping donations from the public.
Father Larry Snyder speculates that could be because Americans blame BP and expect it to pay for all the damage. He said a nationwide appeal by Catholic Charities raised only $37,000.
Snyder told a congressional hearing that BP gave $1 million to Catholic Charities of New Orleans, but all of that money has been disbursed. He said needy families continue to line up before dawn, and many have to be turned away.
Snyder contrasted the lack of private donations with the outpouring of support following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and said demands on charities will continue long after the leak is stopped.
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