Wishing You Joy this Nativity Season!
Christ is born! Glorify Him! IOCC wishes all our faithful volunteers a joyful Nativity feast—whether you celebrated in December or will be celebrating in January—and a new year filled with blessings for you and your loved ones.
Thank you for everything you do with IOCC all year long to share your compassion with people in need worldwide. You reach the world with Christ’s love.
Special US Program Edition
As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect upon the past year’s activities of serving those affected by disasters. This year, IOCC responded to the Los Angeles County wildfires and flooding in Alaska, and continued to rebuild in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. With the assistance of over 400 volunteers, IOCC provided repairs to 52 properties and delivered emotional and spiritual care to over 650 people.
As we begin 2026, critical home repair and rebuild efforts are ongoing in Tennessee and Florida. Given the scope of the hurricane impacts and the amount of work to be done, your volunteer service is needed as much as ever. As you read the updates about recent activities below, please prayerfully consider getting involved in the coming months as IOCC continues to serve those impacted by the storm.
In Christ,
Archdeacon Paul Zaharas
US Country Representative
On the Ground
Hurricanes Helene and Milton – Action Team
IOCC has continued its repair and rebuild work for those affected by Hurricane Helene in eastern Tennessee. This past September marked one year since the storm caused widespread damage across the southeastern United States. With the help of volunteer teams, IOCC has assisted many homeowners in repairing and rebuilding their homes. We celebrated the homecoming of several homeowners, like Mr. & Mrs. Sawyer pictured below, who were able to move into their repaired home. For many others, repairs are still needed to return to their homes with pre-storm conditions.
IOCC has committed to the rebuilding and repairing of properties affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton through September 2026. If you are interested in joining a rebuilding team in 2026, please sign up at iocc.org/volunteer25. Opportunities are available for individuals and groups. To learn more about volunteering with IOCC’s Action Teams, please visit iocc.org/actionteam. Contact Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667.331.9812 with any questions.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton – Frontline
In addition to Action Team efforts, IOCC has deployed several teams of Frontline volunteers to provide emotional and spiritual care (ESC). Most recently, a team was deployed to eastern Tennessee in September to provide ESC to survivors on the anniversary of the storm. These Frontline volunteers met with survivors as they continue to build resilience one year after the hurricane. As homes and properties are being rebuilt, the lives of those who live within them are also being strengthened.
To learn more about how IOCC serves after disasters across the US through the Frontline program, and to apply, visit iocc.org/frontliners.
IOCC’s Annual Field Volunteer Conference
This year, Frontline and Action Team volunteers gathered in Asheville, NC to attend IOCC’s annual field volunteer conference, which focused on the topic of recovery. The conference hosted speakers such as Amanda Marsh from the Eric Marsh Foundation for Wildland Firefighters, Jolie Wills from Hummingly, and Dr. Naomi Paget from Crisis Training Center. These presenters provided personal experiences, workshops, and training on how IOCC’s field volunteers can better serve those affected by disasters. The conference was followed by two days of rebuilding, where volunteers provided repairs to homes in Tennessee and North Carolina.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities & Awareness Events for Home Builds
With IOCC’s two-year commitment in response to the 2024 hurricanes, volunteer opportunities are now available through September 2026. Join a team or bring a group from your parish! To sign-up for a Home Build visit iocc.org/volunteer25. To schedule a team in 2026, please contact Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667.331.9812.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Potomac, MD
On November 8, young adults from across the greater DC area gathered for a Pan-Orthodox Gala filled with fellowship, live music, dancing, and joyful celebration. This year, IOCC was honored to receive a portion of the event proceeds, and we are deeply grateful for the generous support. We extend our heartfelt thanks to long-time volunteer James Thomas for organizing such a successful and meaningful event.
Philadelphia, PA
We are grateful to the children of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, who went above and beyond by raising additional funds for IOCC at their parish mini festival after a local IOCC banquet. Their generosity and enthusiasm are truly inspiring!
Save the Date!
We want to invite you to a special one-hour virtual gathering for our Parish Representatives and dedicated volunteers on Tuesday, February 10. Outreach coordinators Sophia Kayafas and Theodora Veronis will lead parish representatives and volunteers from across the country in an hour-long virtual workshop to share ideas, experiences, and connect with others who are passionate about IOCC’s mission.
This call will be an opportunity to look ahead to the spring and talk through ideas for upcoming parish events and activities. Attendees will be able to learn from one another and receive support as plans are made for the months ahead. IOCC Parish Reps across the country continue to find meaningful and creative ways to engage their communities—through coffee hours, kit drives, Lenten efforts, walks, and more.
To RSVP, email us at outreach@iocc.org or visit iocc.org/parishrepworkshop.
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!
- Feb 7, 2026 – Milwaukee, WI – Wine & Cheese Reception for IOCC
- February 7, 2026: Chicago, IL- IOCC Kit Drive and Presentation
- Feb 8, 2026 – IOCC Souperbowl Sunday
- April 17, 2026 – Cleveland, OH – Bright Friday Dance
- April 19, 2026 – Pittsburgh, PA – Bright Bights Food & Fellowship to Benefit IOCC
- May 2, 2026 – Pittsburgh, PA – Join Team IOCC @ Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend
- July 11, 2026 – Grand Rapids, MI – 5K Walk/Run to Benefit IOCC
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