IOCC Sunday is November 23!
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, such as hosting an IOCC informational coffee hour, encouraging clergy participation, giving an IOCC presentation to your parish, or involving your youth in 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.
US Programs Update
Pictured above are the Sawyers from Erwin, Tennessee, whose home was devastated by Hurricane Helene. Several feet of flooding caused their first floor to collapse into the basement, leaving the house beyond repair. With insurance funds and support from the local Long-Term Recovery Group, the Sawyers began the rebuilding process. IOCC played a central role in helping the Sawyers build a new home on higher ground, providing greater protection against future flooding. IOCC Action Teams have been hard at work throughout the process, helping to bring stability and hope back to the Sawyer family.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we invite you to consider joining an Action Team or forming a group, so together, we can help even more families return home in 2026. If you’re interested in volunteering with an IOCC Action Team or organizing a group for 2026, please sign up at iocc.org/hurricanes24. For any questions, reach out to Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or call 667.331.9812.
Kit Warehouse Address Update:
Church World Service, our longtime partner, will be closing their kit warehouse in New Windsor, MD, at the end of October. A new Mid-Atlantic Super Depot will open to replace this location, and details will be announced soon. In the meantime, if you are sending any IOCC Emergency Kits this winter, please direct them to:
Church World Service
28606 Phillips St.
Elkhart, IN 46514
Feel free to contact Outreach at outreach@iocc.org for more details.
Giving Tuesday is Almost Here – Stay Tuned!
#GivingTuesday is December 2 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
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 showing your support, plus activities for families, small groups, or Sunday School classes. Order free copies for your parish or Sunday school here.
Lebanon: Preserving the Mother-Baby Bond Beyond Walls
While serving time in a juvenile detention center near Beirut, 17-year-old Samia—alone, frightened, and far from family—gave birth to a baby boy. Concerned for their health, facility staff reached out to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, which referred the case to IOCC’s mother-and-child health program. When the newborn was transferred to a hospital for urgent care, breastfeeding became a challenge due to security limitations. To help maintain the mother and baby bond, IOCC provided a manual breast pump and arranged counseling sessions to guide Samia on feeding and infant care.
Today, her son is improving, and so is her confidence. Nearly 12,000 people have been supported by IOCC’s mother-child program in Lebanon, which also provides clean water, health consultations, and psychosocial support. Read the full story here.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
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 4, celebrating the 19th year of this annual event. The 5K walk/run brought together nearly 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. 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 held the 13th Annual Fr. Savas Constantinou Memorial Mission Walk. 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 this event such a success!
Pittsburgh, PA (Oktoberfest and Bourbon Tasting)
On October 9, 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 these lovely October events and spreading the word about IOCC!
Akron, OH
On Saturday October 18, St. Elia the Prophet Orthodox Church hosted its first 5K Walk/Run to Support IOCC. Set along the scenic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, this new event marked a meaningful step in Akron’s support of IOCC’s global humanitarian mission. Participants of all ages came together for a morning of movement and purpose, and gathered after the race to enjoy coffee, bagels, and fellowship. A sincere thank you to Deacon Aaron Gray for taking on this initiative to support IOCC.
Indianapolis, IN
On Sunday, October 26, supporters from churches throughout Indianapolis gathered at St. George Orthodox Christian Church for a special Dinner and Movie Night to benefit IOCC. The evening began with an Akathist to St. Olga, setting a meaningful tone for the event. Guests then enjoyed an all-American meal featuring fried chicken, barbecue, and hot dogs, followed by a special screening of American Orthodox. The program also included an engaging presentation about IOCC’s global humanitarian efforts, focused on disaster relief here in the US. Thank you to St. George for hosting and to everyone who participated and helped make the evening a memorable and successful celebration in support of IOCC’s mission!
Philadelphia, PA
On September 12, St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Philadelphia hosted their 8th annual golf tournament to benefit IOCC. Many gathered to enjoy this time of fellowship and golf for a cause. Thank you to Matushka Margarite and all those who gathered and helped put on this wonderful event!
Philadelphia, PA
On Sunday, October 26, supporters from parishes across the greater Philadelphia area gathered for IOCC’s 14th Annual Philadelphia Banquet—a joyful evening of fellowship, inspiration, and generosity in support of IOCC’s global mission. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, participated in a silent auction, and heard uplifting updates about IOCC’s ongoing humanitarian work around the world, including efforts to bring relief to families affected by conflict and natural disasters. The evening also featured inspiring remarks from local clergy and committee members, celebrating more than a decade of faithful service and community partnership. A special thank you goes out to Tulla Sandilos and Kathy Pantazopolous for putting on this event. Thank you to the dedicated Philadelphia IOCC Committee, our generous sponsors, and all who attended to help make this year’s banquet another memorable and meaningful success in support of IOCC’s life-changing work!
Upcoming Events
Interested in planning your own 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 1 – San Jose, CA: Vespers & Dinner to Support IOCC’s Relief Efforts in Gaza
- November 2 – San Francisco, CA: Annual IOCC Food and Wine Tour
- November 8 – Pittsburgh, PA: Youth Health Kit Drive and Assembly
- November 12 – Rochester, MN: Annual Reception to Benefit IOCC
- November 13 – Minneapolis, MN: Twin Cities Annual Reception to Benefit IOCC
- November 12-14 – Asheville, NC: IOCC Field Volunteer Conference
- November 15 – Charlotte, NC: Peace on Earth: Christmas Concert and Market
Stay Connected to IOCC Online!
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and our Latest Updates page to keep up to date with IOCC news, view event photos, and get a firsthand look at how your support is changing lives around the world.
