April 12, 2006
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Young Adult League hosted their 23rd annual conference February 17-20 at Chicago’s Marriott O’Hare Hotel. Nearly 400 young adults from all over the United States gathered in Chicago on that frigid weekend, to learn more about their Orthodox faith and celebrate their Greek heritage. “The Amazing Race: Persevering on the Road to Salvation: ‘Let us run with endurance the race…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…’ Hebrews 12:1-2,” was this year’s conference theme.
Each conference features a selected philanthropy focus. Last year’s conference outreach included the assembly of health kits for victims of the tsunami. That was so successful, that naturally, they looked to the IOCC for another philanthropic opportunity. This year, YAL elected to assemble baby kits for IOCC. For three weeks prior to the event, items were collected from ten Greek Orthodox churches in the Chicago area. Young adults transported the items to the hotel and began to sort them several days prior to the conference.
Approximately 50 young adults gathered on a Sunday afternoon to prepare the kits, including cloth diapers, sleepers and more, and cleverly wrapped them in baby blankets and fastened with diaper pins. They were then packaged and prepared for shipment.
Approximately 150 kits were assembled and donated. Those who participated in the outreach, expressed their desire to help babies in need, and welcomed the activity. “This was an amazing way to aid helpless little ones. If we can at least get them some basic things they need, then we consider this a big success,” expressed one YAL attendee.
Emergency kits contain supplies that are assembled in the United States and shipped to people in need throughout the world. Other kits include school, health and kids. If you would like more information on this effort, please visit the Get Involved page on our website or call 1-877-803-4622.
