How You Helped in 2023: IOCC Annual Report
IOCC’s 2023 Annual Report was recently released, detailing how you helped those in need across the world in the past year. Highlights include our presence in Ukraine, Syria, Gaza, the US, and many other countries around the world. Learn about how IOCC reached more than 932,000 people last year, and additional information about our core sectors: Emergency Preparedness & Response; Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene (WASH); Sustainable Livelihoods; Food Security and Agriculture; and Health at iocc.org/annualreport.
Volunteers Needed!
IOCC has been on the ground since early this year responding to the 2021 tornadoes in western Kentucky and 2022 Hurricane Ian in southwestern Florida. As we end our projects in each location, the US Program would like to thank all the volunteers who participated in helping individuals recover from these storms.
In July, Hurricane Beryl made landfall in southwestern Texas marking the first storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season to hit US shores. As IOCC gears up to respond, please remember volunteers are always needed to support cleanup and recovery efforts. If individuals are interested in volunteering this hurricane season, please fill out this form. Please contact Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667.331.9812 with any questions or to set up a team.
IOCC at the 47th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress
Rev. Dn. Paul Zaharas represented IOCC at the Clergy-Laity Conference and talked about our ongoing work during a panel discussion with all the programs of Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA. He also presented an update about IOCC’s work in Ukraine and the US to the 320 members of the National Philoptochos Association.
We also want to express our gratitude for everyone who stopped by the IOCC booth in the exhibition hall. It was such a pleasure to meet so many people, including old and new volunteers, who were excited to hear about our ongoing work. We hope to see many of you soon at future events.
Run a Race, Dedicate a Birthday, Celebrate Your Wedding with IOCC
Are you looking for a powerful way to give? IOCC has a way to fundraise that uses your passion to help those in need. Run a race, dedicate your birthday, celebrate a loved one or wedding, and help those in need. Our DIY (do-it-yourself) fundraising platform allows you to create a personal page and collect donations to improve the lives of families facing disasters around the world. Is there anything better than knowing you’ve rallied your community to help others? Get started here: iocc.org/diy.
Help Us Plan Fall Events Now
Summer vacation is flying by, and we hope you have all had time to relax and enjoy time with your loved ones. AND… this is also a great time to think about scheduling an IOCC event in the fall. Please let the Outreach team know what you’re planning so we can support you with the event preparations. And don’t be afraid to get creative! Reach us at 410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org to start the conversation—we look forward to hearing from you!
An Inspiring Story of Success in Syria
At just eight years of age, Sanaa (not her real name), her parents, and her sister were forced to flee their family home in Syria due to intense fighting. Over the years, they were displaced several more times when conflict broke out again and her parents worked hard to provide for their family. But then, one day Sanaa learned about an educational support program through IOCC — and was immediately interested. The program targets vulnerable students seeking their 9th and 12th grade national certificates, while also providing opportunities in transitional grades, including 11th.
When Sanaa enrolled in the 11th grade, her teachers quickly realized that she had exceptional learning skills and was driven to excel. Read the rest of this inspirational story here.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Jarrettsville, MD
More than 90 students at the Metropolis of New Jersey’s Camp Good Shepherd assembled 240 hygiene kits for IOCC. During their last day of camp, Corina Mararu, IOCC Outreach Manager, talked about IOCC’s current projects and how important the kits are for people facing hardship. The students were engaged and inquisitive about the countries where IOCC worked, and learned more about how they could stay connected in their home parish.
Costa Mesa, CA
On June 30, Nick Kasemeotes, IOCC Development Officer, and Corina Mararu, Outreach Manager, visited St. Barnabas Orthodox Church in Costa Mesa, California. St. Barnabas is a strong supporter of IOCC and its young and vibrant community were eager to hear details about IOCC’s international relief work from Nick and Corina. Our special thanks go to Fr. Michael Reagan, Fr. George Lehman, Dn. Richard Billings, Dn. Thomas Braun, and to the wonderful community of St. Barnabas!
Columbus, OH
On July 4, nine enthusiastic runners from Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church participated in the New Albany Independence Day 5K on behalf of IOCC. On the morning of the race, supporters set up a tent with IOCC materials at the venue, and all funds raised during the campaign went towards IOCC’s ongoing work in Gaza. Our special thanks go to Mila, a high school student from Columbus who spearheaded this great effort and helped raise more than $2,000 for those in need. We also thank all the members of Team IOCC Columbus and to Mila’s family who supported this great initiative!
Ann Arbor, MI
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan continued its tradition of summer fundraisers and on July 14 organized the Annual IOCC International Coffee Hour. During the coffee fellowship after Divine Liturgy, a Philoptochos member talked about IOCC emergency relief work with an emphasis on its response in Gaza. The parishioners had a good time celebrating the ethnic diversity of their church family, tasting delicious dishes cooked by their fellows, and proudly supporting IOCC. A heartfelt thanks goes to Perry Katsikas, Fr. Nick Kotsis, Philoptochos members, and to all generous donors of St. Nicholas who continue supporting IOCC’s work for more than 30 years. We also thank all the parishioners who brought their signature dishes, and all the volunteers who made this event a great success!
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!
August 24 – Denver, CO – St. Catherine 5K Walk/Run to Benefit IOCC
September 4 – Pittsburgh, PA – IOCC Pittsburgh Volunteer Open House
September 29 – St. Louis, MO –22nd Annual IOCC Banquet
October 5 – Chicago, IL – 18th Annual Walk the Walk for IOCC
October 10 – Pittsburgh, PA – Oktoberfest Happy Hour to Benefit IOCC
October 26 – Charlotte, NC – Harmony of Hope
October 27 – Philadelphia, PA – 13th Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC
November 7 – Pittsburgh, PA – Bourbon Tasting 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.
Director of Finance – HQ
Office Administrator – HQ
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