BUFFALO, N.Y. — After more than six months of work, and with just days left in the 94th annual appeal, Bishop of Buffalo Richard Malone announced Tuesday that Catholic Charities exceeded its $11 million goal.

"Be strong, do not give up, for our work will be rewarded," said Malone.

"To celebrate this achievement, so we can continue to support helping individuals and families. And I'm really grateful to be able to thank you all," said Bob Bennett, Catholic Charities 2018 appeal chair.

"We just hung in there. And had us, to be truthful, very anxious much of the time," said Malone.

Anxious, Malone said, because of challenges like declining parishioner population, donor fatigue and the clergy sex abuse crisis.

"We were all angry about the sex abuse crisis, me too, but some people translated their anger into pulling back donations, which I think is very unfortunate because it hurts more people," he said.

Malone also stepped up efforts and sent letters to parishes, as the group was down $1.5 million just last month. Earlier this month, the group worked the phones and raised a little more than $400,000 during its inaugural Day of Giving.

"Providing much needed momentum and a new sense of hope," said Malone.

"And certainly my most anxiety-producing appeal," said Sister Mary McCarrick, Catholic Charities Diocesan director.

McCarrick, who's retiring after her ninth appeal, announced the naming of the group's Lackawanna Food Pantry and Outreach after local business icon Russell Salvatore. She says the long-time philanthropist is a hero of hope who didn't want to see the appeal fall short.

The appeal ends Saturday, as money will be allocated July 1.