Calling All IOCC Volunteers!
We invite you to our next one-hour virtual gathering on Tuesday, September 1. 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. Attendees will learn from one another and receive support as plans are made for the months ahead.
To RSVP, email us at outreach@iocc.org or visit iocc.org/parishrepworkshop.
IOCC at the 2026 Biennial Clergy-Laity, and San Diego Parish Life Conference
We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who stopped by the IOCC booth in the exhibition hall at the Clergy-Laity Congress in Cleveland and those who stopped by our table in San Diego at the Parish Life Conference. 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!
Action Team Update
A special thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help families rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. As IOCC prepares for this year’s hurricane season, volunteers remain essential to our ongoing recovery efforts. We’re currently seeking volunteer teams to serve in Tennessee through the end of the year. Nearly two years after the hurricane, many homeowners are still waiting for assistance to rebuild. To learn more or organize a team, contact Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667-331-9812.
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 410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org to start the conversation – we look forward to hearing from you!
Ethiopia: Netsanet’s Journey to Community and Success
Netsanet, who has a physical disability, is a 41 year-old mother of two from Lalibela. Her family previously relied entirely on her husband’s limited income. Her situation changed after joining IOCC’s Food Security and Resilience Building Project, which provided entrepreneurship training and startup money. She also joined a 20-member women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) and now serves as its chairperson.
Netsanet said, “I did not have a chance to go out of my home and participate in social gatherings before. Now, with the support of the project, I am a member of the SHG and currently serve as a leader of the group. This has helped improve my social ties and recognition in the community.” Read Netsanet’s full story here.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Cleveland – National YAL Period Pack Assembly for IOCC
On Thursday, July 2, participants at the 2026 National Young Adult League (YAL) Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, came together to assemble menstrual hygiene kits for IOCC. These kits will support youth and young adults with physical and developmental disabilities, as well as church-run soup kitchens serving individuals experiencing homelessness, as part of IOCC’s humanitarian work in Serbia and Montenegro. A special thank you to John Panos and Rosa Domingot for organizing this service project, made possible by a grant from National Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos.
Ann Arbor, MI – Annual IOCC International Coffee Hour
The Philoptochos Annual IOCC International Coffee Hour took place on July 12 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!
Grand Rapids, MI – 5K Run/Walk to Benefit IOCC
On Saturday, July 11, more than 150 runners and walkers from parishes across the Grand Rapids area gathered at Millennium Park to show their support for IOCC. Participants enjoyed beautiful weather and scenic views along the course before coming together for refreshments and fellowship after the race. A special thank you to Fr. David Khorey and Timothy Batt for spearheading this successful event, which raised both awareness and funds for IOCC’s humanitarian work around the world.
Denver, CO – Sip and Support
On Saturday, July 25, IOCC supporters from parishes across the greater Denver area gathered for a Sip and Support to benefit IOCC. The evening began with Vespers at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church and continued with a festive reception featuring wine tasting, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and fellowship. Guests also heard updates from Gift Officer Luke O’Dell about IOCC’s humanitarian work in Greece, the Holy Land, Ukraine, and beyond. A heartfelt thank you to Elaine Karubus and Chris Skogen for their dedication and ongoing support in making this event such a success!
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 12 – Cleveland, OH: 5K to Support IOCC
- September 20 – Pittsburgh, PA: Dinner and Wine Pairing to Benefit IOCC
- September 25 – Cherry Hill, NJ: Golf Tournament to Benefit IOCC
- October 3 – Chicago, IL: 20th Annual Walk to Support IOCC
- October 4 – St. Louis, MO: 24th Annual IOCC Banquet
- October 17 – Akron, OH: 5K Race for IOCC
- October 22 – Pittsburgh, PA: Oktoberfest
- October 25 – Indianapolis, IN: Annual Dinner to Support IOCC
- October 25 – Philadelphia, PA: 15th Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC
- November 14 – Charlotte, NC: Christmas Market
Stay Connected to IOCC Online!
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