IOCC Emergency Update for Hurricane Helene
The historic devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene has left communities from Florida to North Carolina in desperate need of help and emergency assistance. Extreme flooding, along with downed trees and debris, have made homes uninhabitable and roads too dangerous to drive. Millions are currently without power, and many affected areas have been left without any sources of drinkable water. Learn more about IOCC’s emergency response and donate to make this work possible.
Start Planning for IOCC Sunday on 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.
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. This booklet 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.
Kateryna’s Story
Kateryna was living happily with her nine-year-old son, Dmytro, in northeast Ukraine — until everything changed on February 24, 2022, when the conflict began. With no transportation service available, Kateryna, her mother, and Dmytro packed into a friend’s car with four other people and fled. What was normally an eight-hour drive to western Ukraine stretched into five agonizing days. At night, they stayed in homes or restaurants, sleeping on floors or mattresses. They eventually settled in a school building in a nearby village.
The school accommodated them through the summer, but when classes started, they had to move on. What little money Kateryna had was now gone, and she could not afford rent. Then she heard about a new shelter being built at St. Olga’s Church, supported by IOCC. Read the rest of the story here!
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Houston, TX – Annunciation Orthodox School Hygiene Kits Drive
The Agape Council of Annunciation Orthodox School in Houston, Texas is a student-led group that participates in service projects to benefit the greater community. With the guidance of Maria Papageorgiou and Johna Rusk, students give up their free time throughout the school year to help others in need. This past spring, the Agape Council made hygiene kits for IOCC’s international emergency relief programs. Through this project, students learned that their small acts of kindness can make a difference not just in their local neighborhood, but in other parts of the world as well. Our special thanks go to Maria Papageorgiou, Johna Rusk, Agape Council members, as well as to all the students participating in this kits drive.
Denver, CO – Annual 5K Run
Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Denver, Colorado continued its annual 5K tradition which took place on the morning of August 24. Nick Kasemeotes, IOCC’s Development Officer, spoke about IOCC’s ongoing programs and how the money raised is positively impacting individuals around the world. A heartfelt thanks go to Elaine Karubus and Chris Skogen who spearheaded this great effort. We also thank all the generous donors and parishioners of Saint Katherine who participated and made this event a success!
Pittsburgh, PA – Open House
The Pittsburgh IOCC Committee hosted an open house, where they held an abbreviated monthly meeting so that all the guests could learn how the committee generates ideas, plans events, and builds awareness. A multitude of topics were discussed, including Youth Emergency Health Kit Assembly projects, upcoming events, collaboration opportunities with the new St. Constantine School (Pre-K – 12), and more. The gathering successfully helped the committee to identify new members and build friendships between the volunteers. Our gratitude and thanks go to Nick Terezis and his family for graciously hosting this event.
Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Disaster Response
The United States is in the height of hurricane season, and volunteers are needed to work with our teams on the ground as we get ready to respond to various storms. Action Team volunteers will complete tasks like removing flood debris, taking out water damaged drywall and furniture, and preparing for the rebuilding stage. Get your hands dirty helping neighbors across the US! You don’t have to be skilled – just energetic. To receive updates and sign up to respond to disasters, please do so at iocc.org/actionteam.
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!
October 5 – Chicago, IL – 18th Annual Walk the Walk for IOCC
October 5 – Virginia Beach – 12th Father Sav. Constantinou Memorial Mission Walk
October 10 – Pittsburgh, PA – Oktoberfest Happy Hour to Benefit IOCC
October 20 – Niagara Falls, NY – Lunch to Support IOCC’s Relief Efforts in the Holy Land
October 21 – Cleveland, OH – Dinner with Wine Pairings to Benefit IOCC
October 26 – Charlotte, NC – Harmony of Hope
October 27 – Philadelphia, PA – 13th Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC
October 27 – Indianapolis, IN – Dinner Around the World to Benefit IOCC
November 3 – San Francisco – IOCC Food & Wine Tour
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.
Development Officer US West Coast – Remote
Stay Connected to IOCC Online!
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