IOCC Sunday is November 22!
Looking for a way to spread the word about IOCC in your parish? IOCC’s Humanitarian Relief 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 Humanitarian Relief Sunday? Contact Outreach at outreach@iocc.org or visit iocc.org/ioccsunday for more information.
US Programs Update
In Erwin, Tennessee, IOCC volunteers have been working hard to help local homeowners finish repairs so they can return home after flood damage caused by Hurricane Helene. IOCC will continue rebuilding in Tennessee through March 2027, providing ongoing opportunities for volunteers to serve affected communities.
Volunteers in Florida are still needed through December 2026. This will be the final opportunity to serve on Action Teams in Florida, so we encourage those interested to sign up before the end of the year. Following the 2025 wildfires, IOCC is scheduled to begin construction in Los Angeles between January and March 2027.
If you’re interested in volunteering in Tennessee or Florida, please register at iocc.org/volunteer26. If you’re unable to serve in person, we encourage you to volunteer your time by getting prepared and supporting your local communities!
For questions about volunteering or to explore opportunities, please contact Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org.
Giving Tuesday is Almost Here: Stay Tuned!
#GivingTuesday is December 1 this year, and it’s never too early to gear up! Keep an eye out for this year’s campaign, and watch your dollars make a difference for those in need around the world.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Chicago, IL
What a beautiful day! Families and friends from the Chicago area turned out on a fabulous fall morning to “walk the walk” for IOCC on October 4, celebrating the 19th year of this annual event. The 5K walk/run brought together nearly 200 people of all ages who enjoyed the scenic walk along the lake and a beautiful reception with breakfast at St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church. Thanks to Bill Vranas, Maria Loukaki, Donna Haddad, Omar Rihani, and the rest of the Chicago volunteers for putting on another fantastic walk!
St. Louis, MO
On October 4, more than 100 supporters from the St. Louis area gathered at the beautiful reception hall of Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church to celebrate their 24th annual banquet. Participants enjoyed the bright fall decorations, delicious food, great fellowship, and shared their love for IOCC’s work. IOCC’s Deputy Director of Development, Christina Meares, shared stories about IOCC’s work. Our heartfelt thanks to Valerie Kopecky, Mary Angelides, Diane Sieckmann, and all the volunteers who made this evening such a special and successful celebration!
Virginia Beach, VA
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church recently held the 14th Annual Fr. Savas Constantinou Memorial Mission Walk. The walk took place at First Landing State Park, and participants gathered afterward for a meal, fellowship, and to learn more about IOCC’s worldwide humanitarian work. Gift Officer Lou Zagami spoke on IOCC’s efforts around the world. Heartfelt thanks go to Ed Ullum, Daniel Cook, and everyone who made this event such a success!
Pittsburgh, PA
On October 22, IOCC supporters in the Pittsburgh area gathered at Rusty Gold Brewing Company for an Oktoberfest Happy Hour, celebrating friendship over local craft beer samples—all while supporting the work of IOCC. Guests enjoyed catching up with each other and hearing news about IOCC’s latest work around the world. Special thanks to Kevin Reck, Mary Ann Reck, and Nick Terezis for organizing this lovely October event and spreading the word about IOCC!
Akron, OH
On Saturday October 17, St. Elia the Prophet Orthodox Church hosted its second 5K Walk/Run to Support IOCC. Set along the scenic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, this event was a wonderful way for people in the Akron community to come together. Participants of all ages came together for a morning of movement and purpose, and gathered after the race to enjoy coffee, bagels, and fellowship. A sincere thank you to Deacon Aaron Gray and local volunteers for planning this great gathering for IOCC!
Indianapolis, IN
On Sunday, October 25, supporters from churches throughout Indianapolis gathered at St. George Orthodox Christian Church for a special dinner and movie night to benefit IOCC. The evening began with an Akathist to St. Olga, setting a meaningful tone for the event. Guests then enjoyed an all-American meal featuring fried chicken, barbecue, and hot dogs, followed by a special screening of American Orthodox. The program also included an engaging presentation about IOCC’s global humanitarian efforts by Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes. Thank you to St. George’s Church for hosting and to everyone who participated and helped make the evening a memorable and successful celebration in support of IOCC’s mission!
Philadelphia, PA
On Sunday, October 25, supporters from parishes across the greater Philadelphia area gathered for IOCC’s 15th Annual Philadelphia Banquet—a joyful evening of fellowship, inspiration, and generosity in support of IOCC’s global mission. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, participated in a silent auction, and heard uplifting updates about IOCC’s ongoing humanitarian work around the world, including efforts to bring relief to families affected by conflict and natural disasters. Guests listened to an engaging presentation by IOCC board member John Sobchak, who shared his experiences with IOCC over the years. The evening also featured inspiring remarks from local clergy and committee members, celebrating more than a decade of faithful service and community partnership. A special thank you goes out to Dn. Michael and Tulla Sandilos, and Tony and Kathy Pantazopolous for putting on this event. Thank you to the dedicated Philadelphia IOCC Committee, our generous sponsors, and all who attended to help make this year’s banquet another memorable and meaningful success in support of IOCC’s life-changing work!
New York, NY
On Columbus Day Weekend the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan District hosted a YAL (Young Adult League) conference in New York City. IOCC Executive Director and CEO, Dean Triantafilou, was the keynote speaker at their Saturday evening gala. Participants also had the opportunity to participate in a Diakonia project over the weekend where they assembled Hygiene Kits for IOCC. Thanks to all of the young adults and volunteers who hosted this special weekend!
Upcoming 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!
- November 1 – San Francisco, CA: Annual IOCC Food and Wine Tour
- November 5 – Pittsburgh, PA: Bourbon Tasting to Benefit IOCC
- November 12 – Rochester, MN: Annual Reception to Benefit IOCC
- November 14 – Charlotte, NC: A Christmas Celebration of Hope: Community Caroling and Market
- HQ Finance Manager
- Accounting Specialist
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 descriptions and application instructions, visit iocc.org/careers.
Stay Connected to IOCC Online!
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and our Blog 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.
