We’re Grateful for You!
All year round, you make it possible for IOCC to help those in need—and we especially loved celebrating IOCC Sunday with you this November. When you share your enthusiasm and support for IOCC with others, you are helping refugees rebuild their lives, improving the health of mothers and infants, and giving entrepreneurs the tools to grow their livelihoods—not to mention helping in all kinds of emergencies. Thank you for all you do in bringing IOCC to your community! You are a vital part of IOCC’s humanitarian mission in the world.
Lebanon: Updating a Church-Run School
Saint George School in Bsalim, Mount Lebanon, was founded in October 1988 under the Orthodox Archdiocese of Mount Lebanon. A community fixture since then, the school educates hundreds of students ages 3 to 18 each year. Budget constraints, however, left the school badly in need of updates to its restrooms. This year, with support from IOCC, the school’s restrooms were transformed into bright, hygienic spaces, including a completely new handwashing area. Read more!
US Program Updates
Western Kentucky
In October, IOCC completed work under its Red Cross Grant in Kentucky, and we are excited to announce that the project will be extended with grants from multiple donors.
Help us to get even more survivors safely back into their homes by volunteering to rebuild in Western Kentucky! Room and board are available for out-of-town volunteers. Volunteers are welcome to help for a day, a week, or longer at a time. Please contact Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667.331.9812 with any questions or to set up a team.
Florida
Time is running out to volunteer in Fort Myers, Florida, rebuilding after Hurricane Ian, which struck the Gulf Coast in September of 2022. Under a grant from the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, IOCC is rebuilding through January 2024.
To help survivors get back on their feet and back in their homes, join an IOCC build! Room and board are available for out-of-town volunteers. Get a team together and join us in Fort Myers! Please contact Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667.331.9812 with any questions or to set up a team.
Host an IOCC Angel Tree Reception or Coffee Hour
Looking for a creative way to share IOCC with your parish during the Nativity season? Host an IOCC Angel Tree or a coffee hour at your church and learn how your gifts of $25, $55, $75, and more will help families in need—whether it’s providing school snacks for students in Lebanon, groceries for families in Greece, eyeglasses for children in Jordan, or emergency food in Ethiopia. Create an Angel Tree by downloading our ornaments, then cut, hang, and display! Get started at iocc.org/angeltree or contact Outreach at outreach@iocc.org.
Shop with a purpose – IOCC Christmas Auction!
IOCC’s Christmas auction is open December 3 – 9 so that you can shop for unique and one-of-a-kind items to gift your family and friends, while also benefiting the humanitarian relief work IOCC does all over the world! Bid on the items being offered by clicking here.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Philadelphia, PA
On Sunday, October 29, the Greater Philadelphia Committee hosted its 12th Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC at Adelphia Restaurant. More than 420 guests gathered to enjoy a delicious meal, peruse the beautiful silent auction items, and celebrate IOCC’s humanitarian work. This was the highest attendance that the Philadelphia Metropolitan Committee, led by Tony Pantazopoulos, has ever had. What an amazing night! Fourteen parishes were represented, along with 19 clergy from seven Orthodox jurisdictions. Especially exciting to see were the four tables of young adults, future Philadelphia committee leaders.
Event guests were blessed by the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, who spoke beautifully about the urgent needs IOCC has met this year amid ongoing conflicts and the humanitarian crises they’ve created. His Eminence also underlined the importance of donating to trustworthy organizations like IOCC. Constantine Triantafilou, IOCC’s CEO and Executive Director, presented updates on IOCC’s field work and named IOCC staff who are tirelessly working to help people affected in places like the Holy Land, Syria, and Ukraine. Heartfelt thanks to the Philadelphia Committee, especially Tony and Kathy Pantazopoulos, Harry and Connie Bandy, Christine and John Samaras, Rania and George Pappas, Tulla and Charles Sandilos, Zaffie Zoubroulis, Kira Godshall, and all the volunteers who organized this memorable evening! Kudos to the entire hardworking Philadelphia committee!
Pittsburgh, PA
On November 2, IOCC supporters from the Pittsburgh area got together at Leaf & Bean to celebrate friendship and share some delicious bites and drinks. Guests supported IOCC with their generous donations and by taking the time to learn more about IOCC’s humanitarian relief and development work worldwide. Thanks to Nick Terezis and Kevin and Mary Ann Reck for organizing this fun event!
Sacramento, CA
On the evening of November 4, supporters of IOCC in the Sacramento area gathered at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church to enjoy specialty cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a presentation from IOCC Development Officer Nick Kasemeotes about the humanitarian work IOCC is doing around the world. A “Giving Wall” was available for IOCC’s supporters to illustrate the type of assistance IOCC provides and to encourage donations. The band Not for Profit gave a live performance of throwback 1990s music, adding fun, nostalgic energy to the evening. It was a night full of dancing, good food, good drinks, and very generous giving! Our sincere thanks go to Dr. Nick Rotas and his family for taking on the task of organizing this event. Thanks also to Nicki Hansen, who offered her event planning expertise, and to all the volunteers who organized this incredible evening!
San Francisco, CA
On November 5, IOCC supporters in San Francisco came together for a night of live music, wine tasting, and dishes from countries and regions around the world, including Serbia, the Middle East, Greece, and the United States. A presentation was made by IOCC Development Officer Nick Kasemeotes, updating attendees on IOCC’s current work. Charming live music was performed by chanting group Eikona, made up of three sisters. Our heartfelt thanks go to Karim and Kristen Azar, along with John and Larissa Geleris, who graciously planned and coordinated this wonderful event!
Rochester, MN
It was a cozy night of fellowship at the home of Penny and Ari Kolas on November 8, at the annual Rochester IOCC Reception. An intimate gathering of family and friends converged for this special evening to hear updates on IOCC’s work around the world from IOCC Development Officer Nick Kasemeotes. Attendees also enjoyed drinks and snacks, and each other’s company. Special thanks to Penny and Ari Kolas for offering their home to host this incredible evening!
Minneapolis, MN
On November 9, IOCC’s Minneapolis Metropolitan Committee hosted the sweetest night! Delicious desserts and full-bodied wines were on offer for guests at St. Mary Greek Orthodox Church for this night of fellowship and fun. Attendees were also treated to updates on IOCC’s worldwide humanitarian work from Development Officer Nick Kasemeotes. Our sincere thanks to Lea Hoeft, Theo Boosalis, Katie Kohnen, and Fr. Tim Sas, who made this evening possible with their hard work!
Indianapolis, IN
It was a crisp, beautiful day on November 12 in Indianapolis—perfect for a dinner featuring food from around the world! Along with cuisine from places like Romania, Serbia, Greece, and the Middle East, the evening also provided live choral music from the Quartet and updates about how IOCC is serving around the world presented by Development Officer Nick Kasemeotes. It was a fun night full of delicious food, wonderful fellowship, and ardent support for IOCC. Heartfelt thanks Fr. David Wey, Preoteasa Janene, and Isabelle Geraci for their hard work on this event. We are incredibly grateful!
Upcoming Events
Interested in planning your own virtual or in-person event to raise awareness about IOCC? Get one on the calendar today! We’d love to help you organize, so please contact IOCC’s Outreach team at 410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org.
Check for updates at iocc.org/events. And thank you for partnering with us!
- February 10, 2024 – Milwaukee, WI: Tailgate Event
IOCC Is Hiring!
Bring your expertise to an organization making a difference around the world, and join our team. Know someone who would be a perfect fit? Please pass this info along to them! For full job descriptions and application instructions, visit iocc.org/careers.
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) Officer
- Development Officer, West Coast
- Project Coordinator for the Middle East
Stay Connected to IOCC Online!
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