Hurricanes Helene and Milton Update
IOCC Action Team leaders and volunteers were in Pulaski, Virginia; Unicoi County, Tennessee; and Pine Island, Florida cleaning up and mucking out homes devastated by flooding. Another essential part of the IOCC response is offering emotional and spiritual care to people suffering from the burden of a catastrophic event. Our trained Frontliners just completed an assignment at the Red Cross Shelter in Asheville, North Carolina, and were deployed to Tennessee and Florida to serve those in need.
IOCC is committed to the long-term recovery of those hit by the recent hurricanes, as they strive to rebuild their lives and regain hope for the future. Help us meet our $1M goal to help our neighbors in need here in the US!
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 vital to IOCC’s humanitarian mission throughout the world!
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 reception or a coffee hour at your church and learn how your gifts of $20, $50, $75 and more will help families in need — whether it’s providing school snacks for students in Lebanon, food staples for families in Greece, or disaster supplies for a family affected by hurricanes in the US. Create an Angel Tree by downloading our ornaments, then simply cut, hang, and display! Get started at iocc.org/angeltree or contact Outreach at outreach@iocc.org.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Microloans Make a Major Impact
In northwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mihajlo, 36, and his wife, Natasa, 31, were struggling to support themselves, their three young children, and Mihajlo’s parents — even though Mihajlo was working two jobs. Looking to build a better life, Mihajlo and Natasa turned to the IOCC microloan program. They used their loan to buy land and dairy cows. Read the entire story here.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Mount Laurel, NJ
The Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross in Medford, New Jersey, the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church and St. Stephen Orthodox Cathedral, both in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have joined forces again this year for their 7th Annual Golf Tournament and dedicated all the funds raised to IOCC’s work in Ukraine. Our special thanks go to Matushka Margarite Zlatkowski, Fr. Victor Gorodenchuk, Fr. Mark Koczak, Fr. John Shimchick, Fr. Ted Boback, and to all the players and generous donors!
Greensburg, PA
The Antiochian Women of St. Michael’s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, recently sponsored their 11th year of School Kit outreach for IOCC. One hundred school kits were donated by the St. Michael’s church family to the needy children helped by IOCC worldwide. Sunday school teens also volunteered and helped with kits assembly. Fr. David Hyatt and Constance Volchko led this kits drive. Many thanks to Fr. David Hyatt, Constance Volchko, Antiochian Women, the Church School students, and to all the donors who supported this initiative.
Niagara Falls, NY
St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church hosted a luncheon on October 20 to help raise awareness for the needs in the Holy Land. IOCC’s Gift Officer Lou Zagami presented updates about IOCC’s emergency relief work in Gaza and the West Bank, and in other countries around the world. The guests enjoyed the presentation, the delicious Middle Eastern food, and the great fellowship. Heartfelt thanks to Rana Saba, Lindsey Acker, Tammy Kinan, Fr. Raphael Kevin Barberg, and all the generous donors from the Niagara Falls area!
Cleveland, OH
On October 21, some 140 IOCC supporters gathered at St. Michael’s Woodside Event Center to enjoy a four-course dinner with wine pairings and live music, and to participate in a cork pull competition, baskets raffle, and silent auction. A sommelier explained the origins of the wines and why each one worked well with the course it accompanied. IOCC Development Officer Lou Zagami talked about IOCC’s ongoing projects and announced the actions taken by IOCC to help the people affected by Hurricane Helene. The Sarena Orchestra enchanted guests with international songs throughout the evening. Many thanks to Diane Hastings, IOCC Cleveland Metropolitan Committee chair; Liliana Bruckner, co-chair; and Julie Hall, treasurer, and to all the hardworking volunteers who made this evening so entertaining and special!
Charlotte, NC
On October 26, IOCC supporters from the Charlotte area gathered at St. Sarkis Armenian Orthodox Church to hear news from IOCC Development Officer Lou Zagami and enjoy the delicious food and fellowship. The choirs entertained the guests with sacred and folk music. Our heartfelt thanks go to Laura Nixon, past IOCC board member and chair of the IOCC Charlotte committee, to Missy Davis and Elaine Fagan, co-chairs, to all the Committee members, to generous donors from the area, and to all the volunteers who made this event a memorable one!
Philadelphia, PA
On Sunday, October 27, the Greater Philadelphia Committee hosted its 13th Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC at Adelphia Restaurant. More than 340 guests gathered to enjoy a delicious meal, peruse the beautiful silent auction items, and celebrate IOCC’s humanitarian work. What an amazing night! Fourteen parishes were represented, along with 19 clergy from seven Orthodox jurisdictions. George Antoun, IOCC’s Director of Programs, presented updates on IOCC’s field work and shared stories from his work in Ukraine, Lebanon, and Poland. Heartfelt thanks to the Philadelphia Committee, especially Tony and Kathy Pantazopoulos, Tulla and Charles Sandilos, Rania and George Pappas, Zaffie Zoubroulis, Kira Godshall, and all the volunteers who organized this memorable evening! Kudos to the entire hardworking Philadelphia Committee!
Indianapolis, IN
On Sunday October 27, The Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church hosted Vespers followed by a family-friendly fundraiser for IOCC. Parishes all around Indianapolis donated dishes from around the world so guests could enjoy a “potluck” of international cuisine. IOCC Gift Officer, Nick Kasemeotes, presented the latest news about IOCC’s work, and children and adults alike participated in a few rounds of musical chairs. A special thank you to Father John Miller and Kenzie Reynen who organized this wonderful event.
San Francisco, CA
On Sunday, November 3, Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral hosted the IOCC San Francisco Committee’s 32nd annual fundraiser to support IOCC. The guests enjoyed wines and food from around the world. Parishioners of several churches in the San Francisco area contributed traditional dishes, and multiple tables were set up around the room with delicious options to choose from. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco provided the opening prayer, and IOCC Board member Dimitri Zgourides provided valuable insights on his experience volunteering with IOCC’s action teams, highlighting the remarkable impact IOCC’s help has on people in need. A special thank you to Kristen and Jon Geleris, and to Karim and Kristi Azar for the hours of work they dedicated to making this evening an amazing success!
Pittsburgh, PA
On November 2, IOCC supporters in 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!
Baltimore, MD
The Philoptochos members of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Baltimore, Maryland, organized a much-needed Clean-Up Buckets drive. On November 10 and 17, they filled 100 buckets with cleaning supplies, which will be shipped to the areas affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These supplies will enable people to continue the long-running process of cleaning and repairing their homes and communities. A heartfelt thanks go to Jean Prevas, Connie Rogers, Georgeann Morekas, Rev. Fr. George Mastakas, all Philoptochos members, and to the volunteers who helped prepare these kits for shipment!
Philadelphia, PA
On November 10, Tony Pantazopoulos, Chair of the IOCC Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Committee shared with the Sunday School’s student’s stories from IOCC field work in the Republic of Georgia, Ethiopia, Lebanon, and Uganda. The students identified these countries on a map and were amazed at IOCC’s reach and how many projects it has that support less fortunate children. Special thanks go to Tony Pantazopoulos for presenting IOCC’s stories to students, to Fr. Alexandros Kaitidis, to Sunday School teachers, and to the young students.
Elgin, IL
The Philoptochos Association of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Elgin, Illinois, raised funds through their Fall Food Fest to help people affected by disasters in the US. On November 10, after the Holy Liturgy, IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes presented updates on our recent efforts to help people affected by hurricanes in Tennessee, Florida, and North Carolina. Our special thanks go to the Philoptochos members, to Fr. Andrew Karamitos, to the generous donors from St. Sophia, and to all the volunteers that helped with this fundraiser.
Rochester, MN
On November 13, Ari and Penny Kolas hosted parishioners of Sts. Kosmas and Damianos Greek Orthodox Church in their home for hors d’oeuvres and delicious home-made chili to support IOCC. People gathered on couches for a cozy evening to hear IOCC Outreach Coordinator, Sophia Kayafas, present updates on our work in various countries, including in the Holy Land, Ukraine, and here in the United States. Jason Egginton from the Harper-Egginton Charitable Foundation also spoke about a spirit of generosity and the duty we have to serve others in need. Special thanks to Ari and Penny Kolas for opening their home to host this lovely event.
Minneapolis, MN
On Thursday, November 14, Theo and Katie Boosalis organized a “Sip and Snack” to benefit IOCC at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Parishioners from St. Mary’s, as well as neighboring Orthodox churches in the Minneapolis region, participated in this fundraiser. IOCC Outreach Coordinator Sophia Kayafas, and IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes, presented updates about our recent efforts to help people affected by disasters in the US, the Holy Land, Ukraine, Lebanon, and Greece. Dr. Frank Cerra, an IOCC board member, and Nick Boosalis also shared their experiences with IOCC, encouraging participants to support this essential work.
Cleveland, OH
On Sunday, November 17, youth ages 3-17 gathered at St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church to assemble hygiene kits for those in need. Around 50 young adults and parents gathered for a Friendsgiving potluck followed by a hygiene kit assembly where they participated in the mission of IOCC. These kits include items such as toothbrushes, washcloths and soap, and will be distributed to those who lack these basic supplies. Special thanks to Dn. Anastasios Phyrillas for organizing the event and conducting outreach to ensure a large turnout!
Volunteers Needed for Recent Disasters in US
IOCC has been working with survivors of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia for many weeks. IOCC is committed to at least 24-month’s work providing clean-up, emotional and spiritual care, and long-term recovery assistance. Volunteers are needed! The work is hard and the rewards are great! No special skills are needed, but people with construction skills are very welcome. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering, locations, and how to join in with IOCC’s Action Teams, please contact Krista Hamann at 667.331.9812, or sign up at iocc.org/actionteam.
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.
Donor Services Coordinator – HQ
Program and Partnership Coordinator – Amman, Jordan
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