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—experience you can bring back and share with your parish. 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 48th 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!
US Action Team Update
We’re excited to share a new addition to our volunteer housing in Erwin, TN! This spring, we installed a new shower trailer, featuring two private shower stalls as well as a washer and dryer. The additional facilities will help us better support volunteer teams throughout the busy summer season. We look forward to welcoming volunteers as they continue serving communities in need. Please contact Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667.331.9812 with any questions or to set up a team.
How you Helped in 2025: IOCC Year in Review
IOCC’s 2025 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 almost 1 million people last year, and about our five core sectors of humanitarian response at iocc.org/yearinreview.
Help Us Plan Fall Events Now
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 this 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 our 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.org to start the conversation — we look forward to hearing from you!
Ukraine: Help When There is No Time to Pack
When a missile destroyed Elena’s home in eastern Ukraine, she and her husband were forced to flee to Dnipro with almost nothing. “We moved without even clothes or the most basic household items,” Elena recalls. In an unfamiliar city where they knew no one, they faced an uncertain future. Through other displaced families, Elena learned about an IOCC-supported emergency assistance program providing food, clothing, and essential household supplies. The humanitarian kits helped her family regain reliable access to food and meet their most basic needs during a difficult transition. More than just practical support, the assistance gave Elena’s family a renewed sense of stability, hope, and belonging. “It showed us that people care about us and are willing to help,” she says. “It gave my family courage and strength to start rebuilding our lives.” Read more here.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Upper Darby, PA – Youth Fundraiser
With hearts rooted in faith and compassion, the Saint Demetrios JOY Youth raised $1,500 for International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). The church’s young people supported IOCC’s vital humanitarian mission to provide emergency relief, development programs, and hope to those in need around the world during their Annual Spring Festival. Through this experience, our children learn to live out their faith—serving others, giving generously, and following the example of Jesus Christ in caring for those in need.
Chicago, IL – IOCC Presentation and Kit Drive
On June 6, IOCC supporters gathered at Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Chicago for a Kit Drive to assemble essential items for families in need around the world. Volunteers of all ages came together in a spirit of fellowship and service, working side by side to pack kits that will bring comfort and care to vulnerable communities. Thank you to Jazmine Sanchez for the hard work and dedication she put into organizing this successful effort and bringing the community together in service.
Austin, TX
On Saturday June 6, young adults from parishes throughout Austin met IOCC Outreach Coordinator Sophia Kayafas at Radio Coffee to learn about IOCC’s humanitarian programs and how they can get involved. Thank you to IOCC Board Member John Sobchak and volunteer Tucker Long for making this gathering a success!
Kansas City, KS
On Sunday, June 7, St. Basil Antiochian Orthodox Church in Kansas City hosted a pie contest to benefit IOCC. Parishioners donated money to watch several brave participants get pied in the face. Aside from the pie throwing, the fundraiser also featured a delicious assortment of homemade pies and desserts for attendees to enjoy, bringing the community together in fellowship while raising funds for IOCC’s humanitarian work around the world. Special thanks to Devree Chleborad and Ida Sayegh for organizing this event!
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!
- 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 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.
