US Action Team Update
With the dedication of many volunteers across the country, we’ve already completed repairs on 41 homes halfway through the year! Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce that our 2026 volunteer calendar is now open. Teams can begin signing up to serve in Eastern Tennessee and Florida. Special thanks to all who have generously offered their time and skills to help rebuild homes impacted 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 volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667.331.9812 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.org or visit iocc.org/parishrepworkshop.
IOCC at the 2025 OCA and Antiochian Conventions
We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who stopped by the IOCC booth in the exhibition hall at the 21st All American Council as well as the 57th Biennial Antiochian Convention. It was such a pleasure to meet so many people, including old and new volunteers, who were excited to hear about our ongoing work. We hope to see many of you soon at future events!
Run a Race, Dedicate a Birthday, Celebrate Your Wedding with IOCC
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
We hope you’ll 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 outreach@iocc.org or 410.243.9820 to start the conversation — we look forward to hearing from you!
Samara’s Remarkable Return
Before the conflict in Gaza, 11-year-old Samara (name changed for protection) was a top student. But after witnessing her father’s death while fleeing violence, she stopped speaking, playing, and attending school. Living in a tent for displaced families, Samara quietly observed other children in an IOCC-supported education and play program—until one day, she stood up and joined a math competition. With support from the program’s caring facilitators, she slowly began smiling again, playing, and returning to her studies. Read Samara’s full story here.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Columbus, OH — Race to Respond with Team IOCC
On July 26, enthusiastic runners from Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral participated in the Columbus Candy 5K Race on behalf of IOCC. All funds raised during the campaign went towards IOCC’s ongoing work in Gaza. Our special thanks go to Mila, a high school student from Columbus who spearheaded this great effort and helped raise funds for those in need. We also thank all the members of Team IOCC Columbus and Mila’s family who supported this great initiative!
Ann Arbor, MI — Annual IOCC International Coffee Hour
The Philoptochos Annual IOCC International Coffee Hour took place on June 29 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This event has taken place every year since IOCC’s founding in 1992, in support of IOCC’s broad range of humanitarian activities. Through the years, the coffee hour has added another purpose: to celebrate the ethnic diversity of the St. Nicholas church family. Church family members were encouraged to share their ethnic dishes as they offered their financial support for IOCC. Everyone enjoyed the large variety of food offerings shared by members. Many thanks to Perry Katisikas who organizes this event each year!
Denver, CO — Sip and Support
On July 26, IOCC’s supporters from the Denver region gathered at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church to hear updates about IOCC’s work and enjoy a festive evening of wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres. The guests were delighted by the warm atmosphere, great conversation, and delicious food—all in the spirit of giving back. Special thanks to Chris Skogen and Elaine Karubis for organizing this wonderful event and to the St. Catherine community for their hospitality and commitment to helping those in need around the world.
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!
- September 6 – Cleveland, OH: 5K Walk/Run to Benefit IOCC
- September 28 – St. Louis, MO: 23rd Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC
- October 4 – Chicago, IL: 19th Annual Walk to Benefit IOCC
- October 26 – Philadelphia, PA: 14th Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC
- November 15 – Charlotte, NC: Annual Fundraiser to Benefit IOCC
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.
