Lenten Resources and Recipes Online!
IOCC’s annual booklet of Lenten reflections is now available to view online or download on our Lenten Resources page. This year’s reflections have been thoughtfully authored by Orthodox clergy from around the country. We are so grateful to these dedicated priests for their service and support of IOCC’s humanitarian work. The Lenten Resources page also features new Lenten recipes from our supporters to assist your Lenten journey. Learn more at iocc.org/lent.
Jordan: IOCC Rehabilitates Playground Infrastructure
In 2024, IOCC made significant strides in enhancing the educational infrastructure of Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Schools in Jordan. The efforts included rehabilitation and maintenance work at eight locations to foster a safer and more inclusive learning environment. At a kindergarten in Amman, IOCC created an urban traffic simulation playground where children can learn about road safety, traffic lights, and crossing rules through play. Read more about this story here.
Emergency Kit Update: Item List Changes in 2025!
IOCC hygiene kits, school kits, and clean-up buckets have all been updated with new items for 2025. Make sure to download the updated packing list for your next kit drive! Our partner, Church World Service, will accept kits created based on last year’s packing list only until June 30, 2025. If you have already assembled kits based on the old lists, please be sure to ship them before June 30. Check the updated lists here: iocc.org/kits. Thank you for your support!
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Saco, ME
During the month of February, five Greek Orthodox churches in Maine (Lewiston, Portland, and Saco) organized a Giving Tree for IOCC Fundraiser, showing their love for IOCC’s mission and those that IOCC serves. Our heartfelt thanks go to Dimitra Voulgari who led this fundraiser, the participating churches and leadership, and to all the generous donors who contributed to this campaign.
Anthiochian Village, PA
In February, Ancient Faith Ministries organized their annual Ancient Singles Retreat 30+ at the Antiochian Village. As a service project during their free time, participants assembled 500 hygiene kits for IOCC. Guests enjoyed the project, which was an opportunity to work together on something meaningful while they were getting to know each other. Many thanks to Ancient Faith Ministries CEO Melinda Johnson for selecting IOCC kit assembly as a service project, and to the young adults who so enthusiastically embarked on this initiative.
Baltimore, MD
During the month of February, St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Preschool students raised funds by doing chores and helping around the house. On March 5, the funds collected were handed over to IOCC Outreach Manager Corina Mararu and Outreach Coordinator Theodora Veronis, who talked to the children about IOCC’s education projects and the Ugandan students whom IOCC helped fulfill their dreams of becoming engineers, doctors, and teachers. It was touching to receive the coins the preschoolers had worked hard for and to hear about their own dreams for the future. Many thanks to St. Demetrios preschool teachers, preschool students, and to their parents for participating in this wonderful initiative and supporting their students with donations!
Pittsburgh, PA
At the end of February, the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Committee hosted a successful happy hour fundraiser in support of IOCC. Attendees enjoyed great fellowship, craft beer, and delicious food, while learning about IOCC’s impactful projects worldwide.
Additionally, artist Lacey Sturm performed a concert in the area on February 28, generously donating a portion of the proceeds to IOCC. IOCC Metropolitan Committee Chair Nick Terezis spoke about IOCC‘s ongoing work around the world. A special thank you to Allie Solomon for organizing and promoting the happy hour, and a heartfelt shout-out to Lacey Sturm for her incredible generosity.
Dallas, TX
Thank you to Saints Constantine & Helen Orthodox Church for hosting IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes on March 9 at Divine Liturgy. Later that evening, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church welcomed him to speak during their 2025 Pan-Orthodox Vespers to Support IOCC. Following Vespers, the Philoptochos organized a dinner for members from different parishes to interact and enjoy fellowship in support of IOCC’s work. Special thanks to the ladies of Holy Trinity Philoptochos for organizing and providing a meal for the Pan-Orthodox Vespers. Special thanks to IOCC volunteer Tracy Panousieres for taking the lead on this event.
Minneapolis, MN
Every Wednesday during Lent, Saint Mary Greek Orthodox Church members sponsor a dinner for a speaker or cause. On Wednesday March 12, IOCC volunteer Lea Hoeft hosted a Lenten meal for their parish to enjoy in support of IOCC. Nick Kasemeotes, IOCC’s Gift Officer, gave a short update on IOCC’s impact around the world thanks to generous donors. Special thanks to Lea Hoeft for organizing this event and volunteering for IOCC for so many years, to St. Mary Greek Orthodox Church, and to all IOCC’s supporters from this parish!
Scottsdale, AZ
As part of their annual service project, students at the Arizona Agribusiness & Equine Center (AAEC) reached out to local small businesses and collected baskets and gifts for their March auction. All the proceeds from the auction were in support of the communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. A special shoutout to Nolan Bjella for organizing and taking the lead on this fundraiser and to all the local businesses and friends who donated the auctioned items.
Virginia Beach, VA
For his final Eagle Scout service project, Michael Almond chose to make a meaningful impact through IOCC. With the support of friends, family, and fellow Scouts, he successfully raised funds to assemble 500 hygiene kits for those in need. His dedication to helping individuals facing hardship and lacking basic hygiene essentials reflects his commitment to service and community. A heartfelt thank you and congratulations to Michael for his dedication, hard work, and commitment to serving others through IOCC!
Volunteers & Frontliners Needed in Tennessee and Florida
IOCC’s Action Teams are on the ground in Eastern Tennessee and Southwest Florida providing relief to communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This month, a group of volunteers from St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Craig, Colorado traveled to Pine Island, Florida to help rebuild a home that was damaged during the storms. The homeowners, JR and Kathy, were incredibly grateful for the impact IOCC has made on their lives. Special thank you to board member Dimitri Zgourides (above left) for serving as the group leader on this trip.
In addition to Action Teams, IOCC is seeking Frontliners. Frontliners are priests, counselors, social workers, or medical professionals trained to provide emotional support to others. They are well equipped to support both the people facing disaster, and the first responders and emergency workers serving them. IOCC Frontliners are a key component of the IOCC US emergency response and long-term recovery program. If you have a relevant qualification and would like to serve in this capacity, or if you’d like to join an Action Team, please contact Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667.331.9812.
Awareness 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!
- April 27 – Pittsburgh, PA: “Bright Bites” Food & Fellowship to Benefit IOCC
- May 3 – Wyckoff, NJ: Taste of North Jersey to Benefit IOCC
- May 3 – Milwaukee, WI: Tailgate Event to Benefit IOCC
- May 3-4 – Pittsburgh, PA: Team IOCC @ Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend
- May 6 – Pittsburgh, PA: Open House
- May 8 – Chicago, IL: 33rd Annual IOCC Chicago Grand Banquet
- May 19 – Cleveland, OH: IOCC Cleveland 33rd Annual Banquet
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