Thank you for supporting IOCC in 2023!
Through your generosity in 2023, IOCC responded quickly to meet the needs of people worldwide. Together, we brought relief after widespread floods in Greece, tornadoes in the central and southern US, and earthquakes in Syria and Turkey.
IOCC was also there to assist thousands of displaced Armenians, combat food insecurity in Ethiopia, and continue providing aid amid the unfolding tragedy in the Holy Land. These are just a few of the critical needs your donations meet.
IOCC Souper Bowl Sunday – There’s Still Time!
The Super Bowl is around the corner on February 11, and with the big game comes a big chance to help people in need! You can help both locally and internationally: organize a food drive in your parish to donate nonperishable goods to a local charity, and collect funds for IOCC to help those around the world. Visit iocc.org/souperbowl to get more ideas and downloadable materials.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Phoenix, AZ
On January 14, the Phoenix Metropolitan Committee hosted over 250 guests at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church for a post-Liturgy luncheon to benefit IOCC’s work in the Holy Land. At the event, guests enjoyed food, drinks, an auction, a raffle, and a presentation on IOCC’s humanitarian relief efforts in the region. Heartfelt thanks go to Oryana and Joann Hannoona, the unstoppable sister-duo who organized this event, and also to the attendees who generously helped us raise funds to help people facing tremendous need.
Dayton, OH
On January 21, immediately after Liturgy, parishioners of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Dayton, Ohio, gathered for a Luncheon Fundraiser event to hear the latest news about IOCC’s assistance to displaced people in Gaza. Special thanks go to Dirk Lackovich-Van Gorp, Fr. Anthony Cook, and all the generous donors from this parish!
Volunteers Needed in Western Kentucky
After a successful 10 months in Western Kentucky under a grant from the American Red Cross in 2023, IOCC will be returning to the area starting in February under grants from five different partners. In 2023, IOCC volunteers helped 25 families return to their homes, and the aim is to serve even more in 2024.
Help us continue to get survivors safely back into their homes by volunteering to rebuild in Western Kentucky from February 1 through July 31. Room and board are available for out-of-town volunteers. Volunteers are welcome to help a day, a week, or longer at a time.
Please contact Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org / 667.331.9812 with any questions or to set up a team.
US Program’s Annual Field Volunteer Training Conference
The US Program is hosting its annual Field Volunteer Training Conference in Fort Myers, Florida, on January 24–26, 2024, for all Action Team Leads and Frontline members. The conference will cover various topics around disaster response, both in the immediate aftermath and in longer-term recovery. Following the conference, attendees are invited to participate in a two-day home build as part of IOCC’s ongoing recovery work following Hurricane Ian.
If you’re interested in joining the Frontline or Action Team Lead programs, please find requirements and applications at iocc.org/take-action. Please contact Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667.331.9812 with any questions.
Jordan: Envisioning a Resilient Future
Abeer, a 31-year-old Palestinian-Jordanian, volunteers with IOCC in Jordan, supporting some of our programs there for people with impairments and disabilities. Diagnosed at age 12 with macular edema, her struggle to work hard in school and achieve success despite the affliction causing her to have blurry vision reflects her determination and resilience. She’s now volunteered with IOCC for six years. Read more about Abeer’s story here.
Awareness 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 3 – Little Falls, NJ: Taste of North Jersey to Benefit IOCC
February 10 – Milwaukee, WI: Milwaukee Tailgate Event to Benefit IOCC 2024
February 11 – Denver, CO: IOCC Souper Bowl Sunday 2024
February 11 – Atlanta, GA: Souper Bowl of Caring
February 11 – Danbury, CT: Souper Bowl of Caring
February 11 – Washington, DC: Souper Bowl of Caring, dedicated to the Holy Land
February 11 – Portland, OR: Souper Bowl of Caring
May 16 – Chicago, IL: 32nd Chicago Annual IOCC Grand Banquet
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 description and application instructions, visit iocc.org/careers.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officer – HQ
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