Start Planning for IOCC Sunday on 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 encouraging clergy participation, dedicating an activity to IOCC, or involving your parish youth with 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.
Join Us for IOCC’s Parish Representative Workshop
Last month we hosted a truly successful Parish Rep workshop with more than 40 volunteers! We’re excited to announce our next scheduled call on Tuesday, October 21, 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.
US Action Team Update: Volunteers Still Needed
As IOCC prepares for the coming months, we want to take a moment to thank our volunteers for their continued support. September was National Preparedness Month, an initiative led by FEMA to encourage individuals and families to make a plan, build an emergency kit, and stay informed in the event of a disaster.
In Erwin, TN, IOCC volunteers have also been working hard to help a local homeowner finish repairs so he and his wife can return home after the flood damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
If you’re interested in volunteering in Tennessee or Florida, please complete the Action Team interest form at iocc.org/actionteam. If you’re unable to serve in person, we encourage you to volunteer your time by getting prepared and supporting your local communities during this month of readiness! For questions about volunteering or to explore opportunities, please contact Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org.
IOCC’s New Prayer Journal is Here
IOCC’s Prayer Journal is a great resource for young people to get a glimpse into the lives of children and families we are helping around the world. Each chapter includes stories of your impact, plus activities for families, small groups, or Sunday School classes. Download a copy or order free copies for your parish or Sunday School here.
Gaza: Hot Meals for a Family in Crisis
Hanan (not her real name) is a young mother of two daughters living in a displacement camp in Gaza. Due to the ongoing conflict, her family was forced to leave their home, her husband lost his job, and their family was thrown into extreme uncertainty. In the displacement camp, Hanan and her family struggle with serious food shortages, a situation which has left her stressed about feeding her children and anxious for the future.
Fortunately, Hanan was able to get help through an IOCC program which provided her and her family with several hot, nutritious meals. Thanks to your support, IOCC is helping families like Hanan’s face each day with renewed strength and dignity. Read the full story here.
In a Gaza displacement camp, Hanan and her children enjoy a hot meal through an IOCC emergency food program.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Cleveland, OH – 5K to Benefit IOCC
On September 6, the Cleveland IOCC Committee hosted its first-ever 5K Walk/Run at Lakewood Park—a meaningful new step in their efforts to support IOCC’s global humanitarian mission. Set against the scenic shores of Lake Erie, participants of all ages came together for a morning of movement, purpose, and community. After completing the course, everyone gathered under the Lakewood Park pavilion to enjoy coffee, bagels, and fellowship.
Pittsburgh, PA – Open House
The Pittsburgh IOCC Committee hosted an open house, where they held a monthly meeting so that all the guests could learn how the committee generates ideas, plans events, and builds awareness. A multitude of topics were discussed, including Youth Emergency Health Kit Assembly projects, upcoming events, collaboration opportunities with the new St. Constantine School (PreK-12), and more. The gathering successfully helped the committee to identify new members and build friendships between the volunteers. Our gratitude and thanks go to Nick Terezis and his family for graciously hosting this event.
St Louis, MO – Banquet
On September 28, more than 100 supporters from the St. Louis area gathered at the beautiful reception hall of St. Nicholas Family Center to celebrate their 23rd annual banquet. Participants enjoyed the bright fall decorations, delicious food, great fellowship, and shared their love for IOCC’s work. IOCC’s Executive Director and CEO, Dean Triantafilou, shared stories about IOCC’s work in the last year, and about the future trajectory of IOCC. Nick Kasemeotes, IOCC’s Development Officer, briefed the audience about IOCC’s worldwide programs. Our heartfelt thanks to Valerie Kopecky, Mary Angelides, Diane Sieckmann, and all the volunteers who made this evening such a special and successful celebration!
Loveland, CO – Kit Drive
Volunteers from St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church came together for a meaningful Kit Drive, assembling emergency hygiene kits to support those affected by disasters. Thank you for turning compassion into action! A special shoutout to volunteer Anna Giese for organizing these efforts at her parish.
Carrollton, TX – Kit Drive
Members of Saints Constantine and Helen Antiochian Orthodox Church united for a heartfelt Kit Drive, assembling school supply kits for children in need. Thank you for donating materials, time, and effort to make this project a success! A special shoutout to Ashton Sha for organizing these efforts at his parish.
Overland Park, Kansas – Kit Drive
For the 12th year in a row, the faithful at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church came together in love and service through their annual Kit Drive, assembling school supply kits for children in need. Thank you to everyone who generously donated materials, time, and energy to support this meaningful ministry. A heartfelt thank you to Betty Ellis, whose dedication and leadership have been the driving force behind this effort year after year.
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 or outreach@iocc.org or 410.243.9820.
Check for updates at iocc.org/events. And thank you for partnering with us!
- October 4 – Chicago, IL: 19th Annual Walk to Benefit IOCC
- October 9 – Pittsburgh, PA: Oktoberfest Happy Hour to Benefit IOCC
- October 18 – Akron, OH: 5K to Benefit IOCC
- October 23 – Pittsburgh, PA: Bourbon Tasting to Benefit IOCC
- October 26 – Indianapolis, IN: Dinner and a Movie to Benefit IOCC
- October 26 – Philadelphia, PA: 14th Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC
- 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 12-14 – Asheville, NC: IOCC Field Volunteer Conference
- November 15 – Charlotte, NC: Annual Fundraiser to Benefit IOCC
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 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.
