Start Planning for IOCC’s Humanitarian Relief Sunday on 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 promotional materials for your parish on Humanitarian Relief Sunday? Contact Outreach at outreach@iocc.org or visit iocc.org/ioccsunday for more information.
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 is 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, 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.
Florida volunteers are also 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. 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 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: Relief for a Family with Special Needs
In a Gaza shelter for those displaced by conflict, Bassam (not his real name) and his family received emergency food and hygiene supplies through an IOCC emergency support project. Bassam is a father of seven living with his wife and children. After more than a year and a half of ongoing conflict, the family faced severe shortages and uncertainty. With infants and family members with disabilities, securing basic necessities became especially challenging.
Fortunately, Bassam’s family received emergency food parcels and comprehensive hygiene kits tailored to their health needs through an IOCC program. “This assistance gave us reassurance, dignity, and hope,” Bassam said. Thanks to your support, IOCC is helping families like Bassam’s meet essential needs and face each day with renewed strength and dignity. Read more about this story here.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Loveland, Colorado – Hygiene Assembly Kit
Volunteers from St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Loveland, Colorado came together for their annual hygiene kit drive to support those affected by disasters. A special shoutout to volunteer Anna Giese for organizing these efforts year after year at her parish.
Cleveland, Ohio – 5K to Benefit IOCC
On September 12, the Cleveland Committee hosted its second annual 5K Walk/Run for IOCC. The course took place in the Cleveland Metroparks along the scenic Rocky River. Participants of all ages came together for a morning of movement, purpose, and community. After completing the course, everyone gathered to enjoy coffee, bagels, and fellowship.
Overland Park, Kansas – Kit Drive
For the 13th year in a row, the faithful at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church came together in love and service through their annual Kit Drive, assembling 300 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.
Baltimore, Maryland – Kit Drive
On September 24, the young adult group from Annunciation Orthodox Church gathered for fellowship and assembled school kits to support IOCC programs overseas. A special thank you to Christie Dionisos who led the organizing of this event!
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Wine Pairing
On September 20, supporters from the Pittsburgh area gathered for a Middle Eastern feast and wine pairing to benefit IOCC. The evening was graciously hosted by Khalil’s restaurant. A heartfelt thank you to Nick Terezis, Zelfa Khalil, and the Pittsburgh committee who made this evening possible!
Atlanta, Georgia – Kit Drive
On September 24, parishioners at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral gathered to listen to an IOCC presentation and put together kits for those in need. Thank you to the Philoptochos as well as volunteer Shelly Sudia who made this possible!
Cherry Hill, New Jersey – Golf Tournament
On September 25, St. Stephen’s Cathedral hosted its ninth annual golf tournament to benefit IOCC. Participants gathered for a wonderful day of fellowship, golf, and supporting a meaningful cause. Thank you to Matushka Margarite and all those who gathered and helped put on this wonderful 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!
- October 3 – Chicago, IL: 20th Annual Walk to Support IOCC
- October 4 – St. Louis, MO: 24th Annual IOCC Banquet
- October 17 – Akron, OH: 5K Walk/Run to Benefit IOCC
- October 22 – Pittsburgh, PA: Oktoberfest Happy Hour to Benefit IOCC
- October 25 – Philadelphia, PA: 15th Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC
- October 25 – Indianapolis, IN: Gather for Good: A Game Night for IOCC
- 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
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.
