IOCC Launches $1 Million Fundraising Goal for Hurricane Response
IOCC staff, volunteers, and equipment have begun the cleanup effort, following the devastation from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The road to recovery for these communities will be a long one, and IOCC is committed to the restoration and rebuilding efforts that will take place in the months and years to come. Want to help? Spread the word about this campaign in your communities, share iocc.org/hurricanes24, or get started with a local fundraising campaign. Contact Outreach at outreach@iocc.org or 410.243.9820 if you have questions or need assistance.
IOCC Sunday Is November 24!
Looking for a way to spread the word about IOCC in your parish? IOCC Sunday is the perfect day! There are plenty of ways you can bring your community together around giving to others, including encouraging clergy participation, dedicating an activity to IOCC, and involving your parish youth with an event. Need a flyer or promotion materials for your parish on IOCC Sunday? Contact Outreach at outreach@iocc.org or 410.243.9820 or visit iocc.org/ioccsunday for more information.
Giving Tuesday
#GivingTuesday is December 3 this year, and it’s never too early to gear up! Keep an eye out for this year’s campaign, and watch your dollars make a difference for those in need around the world.
IOCC’s New Prayer Journal Is Here
IOCC’s Prayer Journal is a resource for young people that offers a glimpse into the lives of children and families we are helping around the world. Each chapter includes stories of your impact, plus activities for families, small groups, or Sunday School classes. Download a copy or order free copies for your parish or Sunday school here.
Armenia: Consolation through Beekeeping
Since conflict erupted in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenians in the region have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety. As a result of this displacement, many hosts have found themselves having to provide for more family members than before.
Vaghinak, a beneficiary of IOCC’s cash-assistance program, found himself in such a situation. His son, Sasoon, was sent to the frontlines as a volunteer and was killed delivering bread. In the wake of this tragedy, Vaghinak was left to care for his son’s family — including his two grandsons, Davit, 9, and Gagik, 11. More than ever, he needed relief and an additional means of support. Knowing that honey production is well-developed in the area and always in high demand, Vaghinak decided to start a new venture as a beekeeper. Soon, thanks to the financial aid and guidance from IOCC’s program, he was able to acquire 19 hives and bee colonies to get started. Read the entire story here.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
St. Louis, MO
On September 29, more than 100 supporters from the St. Louis area gathered at the beautiful reception hall of St. Nicholas Family Center to celebrate their 22nd annual banquet. Participants enjoyed the bright fall decorations, delicious food, great fellowship, and shared their love for IOCC’s work. IOCC’s Director of US Programs, Rev. Archdeacon Paul Zaharas, served as the evening’s keynote speaker, sharing stories about IOCC’s responses to emergencies in the US, and about the preparations for Hurricane Helene interventions. Nick Kasemeotes, IOCC’s Development Officer (pictured above, center), briefed the audience about IOCC’s worldwide programs. Our heartfelt thanks to Valerie Kopecky, Mary Angelides, Sophia Toumbalakis, and all the volunteers who made this evening such a special and successful celebration!
Cleveland, OH
On Sunday, September 29, IOCC’s Outreach Coordinator, Sophia Kayafas, gave a presentation to Sunday School students at St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church in North Royalton, OH. She shared humanitarian stories from around the world and opened a classroom discussion of what serving your neighbor can look like. Twenty students were present for the discussion, and brainstormed ways they could serve their own communities. The St. Paul Sunday School used this presentation to catapult their theme of service for the year into action. They plan on assembling hygiene kits, contributing to food pantries, and raising funds for IOCC and other charitable causes in the months to come. Special thanks to Michael Tartara for encouraging this presentation and the ongoing theme of service.
Chicago, IL
What a beautiful day! Families and friends from the Chicago area turned out on a beautiful fall morning to “walk the walk” for IOCC on October 5, celebrating the 18th year of this annual event. The 5K walk/run brought together some 200 people of all ages who enjoyed the scenic walk along the lake and a beautiful reception with breakfast at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church. IOCC Development Officer Nick Kasemeotes presented updates about IOCC’s work in the US and abroad. Former IOCC board member Donna Haddad talked about IOCC’s relief work in the Holy Land and in the US. The Chicago Metropolitan Committee Chair, Bill Vranas, and event Co-chair and Committee Member Maria Loukaki highlighted the constant support of volunteers and donors from the Chicago area. Thanks to Bill Vranas, Maria Loukaki, Donna Haddad, Omar Rihani, and the rest of the Chicago volunteers for putting on another fantastic walk!
Virginia Beach, VA
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church recently hosted two events that support IOCC’s work: its 23rd Annual Charity Golf Outing (Oct. 1) and the 12th Annual Fr. Savas Constantinou Memorial Mission Walk (Oct. 5). On Sunday, after the liturgy, IOCC’s Development Officer, Lou Zagami, talked about IOCC’s recent relief work in the Holy Land and here in the US. The walk took place at First Landing State Park, and participants gathered afterward for a meal, fellowship, and to learn more about IOCC’s worldwide humanitarian work. Heartfelt thanks go to Ed Ullum, Daniel Cook, and everyone who made these events such a success!
Pittsburgh, PA
On October 10, IOCC supporters in the Pittsburgh area gathered at Rusty Gold Brewing Company for an Oktoberfest Happy Hour celebrating friendship over local craft beer samples — all while supporting the work of IOCC. Guests enjoyed catching up with each other and hearing news about IOCC’s latest work around the world. Special thanks to Kevin Reck, Mary Ann Reck, and Nick Terezis for organizing a lovely October event and spreading the word about IOCC!
Volunteers Needed for Recent Disasters in US
In the coming weeks and months, the communities hit hardest by Hurricanes Helene and Milton will need support from aid organizations and volunteers to rebuild what was lost. IOCC has committed to a 24-month project in response to the recent storms and is looking for volunteers to join in recovery efforts. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with an IOCC Action Team, please sign-up at iocc.org/hurricanes24. Please contact Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667.331.9812 with any questions.
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!
November 3 – San Francisco – IOCC Food & Wine Tour
November 7 – Pittsburgh, PA – Bourbon Tasting to Benefit IOCC
November 13 – Rochester, MN – IOCC Reception
November 14 – Minneapolis, MN – Sip & Snack to Benefit IOCC
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.
Development Officer US West Coast – Remote
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