Join IOCC’s First Outreach Volunteer Build this August!
Looking for a meaningful way to get involved? Join us for IOCC’s first-ever Outreach Volunteer Build, August 2–7, 2026, in Erwin, Tennessee, and help families rebuild after Hurricane Helene. Volunteers will spend the week serving alongside IOCC’s long-term disaster recovery teams while experiencing fellowship and hands-on ministry in the community.
This special opportunity will bring together Parish Representatives and volunteers like you from across the country to build lasting relationships and gain first-hand experience of IOCC’s work. No prior skills or experience are necessary. Space is limited, so register today here!
Say Hello at the Clergy Laity Conference this July
Come meet IOCC staff and learn about our work at our booth at the Biennial Clergy Laity Conference in Cleveland from June 30-July 2, and the Parish Life Conference in San Diego, July 1-5. Pick up some of our latest materials, learn how to get involved, or just come and say hello. We look forward to seeing you!
Run a Race, Dedicate Your Birthday, or Celebrate a Wedding with IOCC
Are you looking for a powerful way to give? Go global with your special event! Celebrate your wedding, dedicate your birthday, or run a race with our DIY (do-it-yourself) fundraising platform. It 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
Summer vacation is approaching fast, and we hope you’ll have time to relax and enjoy time with your loved ones. AND… this is also a great time to think about scheduling an IOCC event in the fall. Please let the Outreach team know what you’re planning so we can support you with the event preparations. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Reach us at 410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org to start the conversation — we look forward to hearing from you!
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Gig Harbor, WA
From April 24-26 youth groups from all parishes of the Pacific Northwest attended the Pacific Northwest Youth Council Lenten retreat at All Saints Camp on Raft Island. Participants enjoyed a weekend of faith workshops and fellowship, and assembled hygiene kits to support IOCC. Thank you to Anthony Sitaras for his efforts organizing this event and sharing photos with us!
Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend
During the Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend on May 2-3, runners and walkers came together to support IOCC’s impactful work around the world. Participants of all ages and abilities could select races from the 5K and Kids Marathon to the Pet Walk and 4-Mile Fitness Challenge. A special thank you goes out to Dean Stambolis and Elias Diamond for their outstanding leadership in organizing and rallying their teams. Their dedication and enthusiasm helped make this weekend a memorable success. We’re grateful to everyone who joined TEAM IOCC — your efforts are making a tangible difference!
Chicago, IL
On May 7, nearly 200 guests from the Greater Chicago area gathered to support IOCC at the 34th Annual Chicago Banquet. Alex Machaskee, IOCC’s former Chairman of the Board, delivered the keynote address, sharing updates about IOCC’s ongoing work. Remarks were also given by event co-chair Maria Loukaki, IOCC Board Member Kimberly Adams-Angelos, IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes, and the evening’s emcee, Fr. Rick Andrews. A heartfelt thank you to the hierarchs, clergy, and Chicago committee chair Bill J. Vranas, along with event co-chairs Maria Loukaki and Omar Rihani, for their unwavering support! We’re especially grateful to the entire committee and the volunteers who made this memorable evening possible.
Scottsdale, AZ
On May 9, volunteers from Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Mesa, AZ packed 288 kits in a record 45 minutes! Special thank you to Betsy Vines for organizing this annual event to support IOCC.
Ottawa, Ontario
On May 23, St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in partnership with Anglican Epiphany Church in Ottawa hosted a “High Tea” event to support IOCC’s Middle East Relief Fund. Participants enjoyed appetizers, coffee, and tea while hearing from guest speakers about the impact IOCC’s work is having on thousands of people affected by crises throughout the Middle East. Special shoutout to Matthew Tannis for spearheading this event.
Atlanta, GA – Young Adult Presentation
Volunteer Shelly Sudia recently gave several presentations highlighting IOCC’s humanitarian work and impact. On April 14, she presented at the University of Georgia Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) meeting, followed by a presentation at St. Philothea Orthodox Church on April 19 at the invitation of Father Anthony Salzman. Shelly continued her outreach efforts with presentations to the Georgia Tech OCF on April 21, Emory University OCF on April 22, and the Atlanta Young Adult League on May 7. We are grateful to Shelly for sharing IOCC’s mission with students and parish communities throughout Georgia.
Thank You to Our Action Team Volunteers!
With IOCC’s two-year commitment in response to the 2024 hurricanes, volunteer opportunities are now available through December 2026. Join a team or bring a group from your parish! To sign up for a Home Build visit iocc.org/volunteer26. To schedule a team in 2026, 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!
- June 6 – Chicago, IL: IOCC Kit Drive and Presentation
- July 11 – Grand Rapids, MI: 5K Walk/Run to Support IOCC
- July 25 – Denver, CO: Sip and Support to Benefit IOCC
- August 2-7 – Erwin, TN: IOCC Volunteer Home Build
- September 12 – Cleveland, OH: 5K to Support IOCC
- September 25 – Cherry Hill, NJ: Golf Tournament to Benefit IOCC
- October 3 – Chicago, IL: Annual Walk to Support IOCC
- October 4 – St. Louis, MO: 24th Annual IOCC Banquet
- October 9-10 – Spring, TX: International Food Festival
- October 17 – Akron, OH: 5K Race for IOCC
- October 25 – Indianapolis, IN: Annual Dinner to Support IOCC
- October 25 – Philadelphia, PA: 15th Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC
Stay Connected to IOCC Online!
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, 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.
