One features text from Matthew 25:35 in large italic letters: "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat." Next to it is a photograph of a young, thin, curly-haired girl, the words "you can help," and the charity's phone number and Web site.
The two-month campaign comes as the weak economy continues to batter charities for the second year.
Donations to Catholic Charities dipped at least 8 percent last year while demand climbed 22 percent, Ruybal said.
The crunch prompted Catholic Charities to eliminate 10 jobs and raid $600,000 in reserves last year, Ruybal said.
The agency, which has an $18 million annual budget, is funded by public and private grants, program fees and United Way. The Archdiocese of Denver contributes about 4 percent the budget, and parishes kick in money, too.
Donations account for about 15 percent of the budget and traditionally have been raised by direct mail, Ruybal said.
Money from the drive will go to emergency-assistance centers in metro Denver, Greeley, Fort Collins and Glenwood Springs.
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