IOCC Volunteer Update | 2025 Issue 6

July 2, 2025

Home Build Volunteers Still Needed in US!

IOCC Cleveland Action Team
A group of volunteers from Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Cleveland, OH traveled south to assist in a home-build.

It’s not too late to sign up for an IOCC Home Build in Erwin, Tennessee — we still need to fill spaces on two builds: August 17-23 (6 spots open) and September 7-13 (8 spots open). There are additional spaces open on August 24-30, August 31-September 6, and September 14-20 for groups of 3 or more volunteers.

Also, we want to thank ALL the volunteers who have generously gifted their talent and time in 2025 to help rebuild homes damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton. As IOCC gears up to respond to this year’s hurricane season, please remember that volunteers are always needed to support cleanup and recovery efforts. Please contact Krista Hamann at 667.331.9812 or volunteercoordinator@iocc.org with any questions or to set up a team.


Join us for IOCC’s Parish Representative Workshop!

On Tuesday, August 19 at 8pm EST, 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 interactive evening will include success stories, practical tips for organizing events, and inspiring updates from the field. Whether you’re new to the role or have been serving for years, you’ll leave with fresh ideas, renewed motivation, and the tools to strengthen your outreach efforts.

To RSVP, email us at outreach@iocc.o​rg or visit iocc.org/parishrepworkshop.


How You Helped in 2024: IOCC Year in Review

IOCC Year In Review 2024

IOCC’s 2024 Year in Review 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 more about how IOCC reached more than 1.1 million people last year, and about our five core sectors of humanitarian response at 


Run a Race, Dedicate a Birthday, Celebrate Your Wedding with IOCC

IOCC DIY Events

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, or celebrate a loved one or wedding to support IOCC. 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

IOCC Events Calendar

We hope you’ll have time to relax and enjoy time with your loved ones during your summer vacation. AND… this is also a great time to think about scheduling an IOCC event in the fall. If event planning isn’t for you, there are still many ways you can get involved with IOCC! We are always seeking volunteers to pass out IOCC materials, host coffee hours, or share information with young people. 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.o​rg to start the conversation — we look forward to hearing from you!


Achieving Self-Sufficiency in Ethiopia

IOCC Ethiopia
Senayt used funds received through an IOCC program to open a coffee shop to support her family.

Senayt, a mother of two in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, was forced to relocate to another city after her husband was recalled to the military and then disappeared. There, she learned about a health and livelihoods program through IOCC and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs — and her life began to change. With the cash support she received, Senayt opened a small coffee shop that now supports her family and celebrates Ethiopian culture. “I’m even thinking of expanding into food,” she says. So far, the IOCC program has helped over 1,290 families with cash assistance and expanded healthcare access across the region. Read the rest of Senayt’s story here.


Volunteers in Action

Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!

Loveland, CO – Kit Drive

Volunteers in Loveland came together for a meaningful Kit Drive, assembling emergency hygiene kits to support those affected by disasters. Thank you for turning compassion into action!

Raleigh, NC – Greek Festival Outreach

At the Holy Trinity Greek Festival, IOCC volunteers in Raleigh hosted an outreach table to share our mission and invite others to get involved. A great weekend of fellowship and awareness! A special thanks to Cynthia for putting this table together!

Upper Darby, PA – Youth Fundraiser

Upper Darby, PA – Youth Fundraiser

The youth of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania successfully raised $800 for International Orthodox Christian Charities by selling stickers with inspiring biblical messages. This wonderful initiative not only shows their creativity and dedication but also highlights the power of community and faith in making a positive impact. Thank you to everyone who supported this effort. What a fantastic opportunity to come together and make a difference!


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.o​rg.

Check for updates at iocc.org/eventsAnd thank you for partnering with us!


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 description and application instructions, visit iocc.org/careers.


Stay Connected to IOCC Online!

Join us on FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTube, 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.