MANCHESTER - Manchester Bishop Peter A. Libasci announced a special free will offering will be held this weekend in Catholic parishes across the Diocese of Manchester to help those recovering from Hurricane Sandy.

All donations will be distributed to Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services. The offering will help those along the U.S. East Coast, Haiti, Cuba and other Caribbean nations.

"New Hampshire was spared the full force of this destructive storm, for which we thank God. But now the time has come for us to aid those suffering in Sandy's wake, from New York City all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico," Libasci said in a statement Tuesday.

"Please be as generous as your means allow. Our small gesture, repeated in churches across this country, can make a difference to millions now in great need," the bishop added.

The Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, also is collecting supplies to distribute to those who have been left without basic provisions in the wake of the devastating storm. There is an urgent need for non-perishable foods, hand sanitizers, bottled water, diapers and baby wipes, basic toiletries and toilet paper, warm clothing and blankets, batteries, can openers, flashlights and towels.

For more information about sending supplies to New York, contact the Diocese of Rockville Centre Hurricane Sandy Line at 516-678-5800, ext. 555.