Christ is Risen!
As hurricane season approaches, we find ourselves in a unique moment — responding to previous storms, while preparing for what comes next. Our 24-month commitment to communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton has been one of the most significant undertakings for the US Program, and we are now in the final stretch. Homes have been rebuilt, personal and community resiliency has been strengthened, and IOCC’s domestic disaster relief capabilities have grown.
We are excited to share that IOCC has recently received a generous capacity-building grant, which will ensure that the lessons learned and momentum gained carry us forward well into the future.
Thank you for participating in the expansion of IOCC’s domestic work and for your continued prayers and support.
In the Risen Lord,
Deacon Paul Zaharas
US Country Representative
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Tennessee
Immediately following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, IOCC committed to 24 months of clean-up and rebuilding, which was set to run through September 2026. Thanks to generous donor support and partner collaboration, work is being extended through December 2026. With the assistance of volunteers, IOCC has been able to clean up, repair, and rebuild over 35 homes.
As we begin the final stretch of rebuilding in Tennessee, Action Team volunteers remain essential in the recovery process. No skills are required to join an IOCC Action Team, just a willingness to learn! IOCC has skilled Action Team Leaders on site to teach you everything you need to know to complete the tasks at hand.
Florida
IOCC has reengaged in Hurricanes Helene and Milton clean-up and rebuilding in Florida, this time in Madison County. IOCC partnered with Starfish Disaster Recovery, which has been actively responding and rebuilding in Florida since 2024. IOCC volunteers built stairs and decks, as well as patched roofs, so homeowners could safely enter and reside within their homes.
Sher Alloway, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of Starfish Disaster Recovery, shared:
“Starfish Disaster Recovery is incredibly grateful for our partnership with IOCC and the impact their volunteer teams continue to make in Madison County. While many people think recovery is over, there are still families in Florida struggling with unsafe homes, accessibility needs, debris issues, and the long process of rebuilding after the storms. IOCC’s skilled volunteer teams have not only completed much-needed repairs, but they have also truly connected with families and made them feel seen and visible again during an incredibly difficult time. Their willingness to serve alongside Starfish has allowed us to reach more families and provide hope where it is still deeply needed.”
Join an IOCC Action Team
IOCC has committed to the rebuilding and repairing of properties affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton through December 2026. If you are interested in joining a rebuilding team in 2026, please sign up at iocc.org/volunteer26. Opportunities are available for individuals and groups. To learn more about volunteering with IOCC’s Action Teams, please visit iocc.org/actionteam.
Contact Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667-331-9812 with any questions.
Calling All IOCC Volunteers!
We want to invite you to a special one-hour virtual gathering for our Parish Representatives and dedicated volunteers on Tuesday, May 19. 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.
This call will be an opportunity to look ahead to our first ever Outreach volunteer home build, giving our Parish Reps a chance to serve in a new, hands-on way. Attendees will also be able to 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.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
San Luis Obispo, CA
On April 4, following the Liturgy of Lazarus Saturday, California Polytechnic State University’s Orthodox Christian Fellowship assembled nearly 50 hygiene kits for IOCC alongside OCF chapters from University of California, University of SoCal, and University of San Francisco. The OCF students, along with young families from St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, also folded palm crosses in preparation for Palm Sunday. Special shout out to Maria Stanculescu for organizing this event.
Cleveland Bright Friday Dinner Dance
On Bright Friday, April 17, the Cleveland Committee hosted their annual event. The Dinner Dance to support IOCC brought together supporters for an evening of fellowship, celebration, and purpose. Participants enjoyed a delicious meal and heard an update about IOCC’s humanitarian work from Gift Officer Lou Zagami. Following dinner and the program, the dance floor quickly came alive as guests enjoyed an energetic mix of traditional polka music and danced the night away! Special thanks to Diane Hastings, Julie Hall, Liliana Bruckner, Lissa Molchan, and Kathy Babich for all their efforts and ongoing support of IOCC.
Pittsburgh Bright Bites
Friends and supporters gathered during Bright week for a day of fellowship at the Stamoolis Brothers Market to enjoy Paschal cuisines from around the world and learn more about IOCC’s global humanitarian efforts! Guests enjoyed a delicious spread of Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern hors d’oeuvres paired with red and white wines, while connecting over IOCC’s mission to serve those in need. A heartfelt thank you to Alexis Cross, Nick Terezis, Kevin Reck, and everyone who joined us for this special day— your presence and support continue to make a lasting impact!
NJ Wine Tasting
On April 25, supporters from northern New Jersey gathered in fellowship to support IOCC’s mission at a wine tasting event. Guests enjoyed a selection of wines, cheeses, and hors d’oeuvres while hearing impactful stories from IOCC Gift Officer Lou Zagami about the organization’s vital work in the field. A heartfelt thanks to the NJ Metropolitan Committee for their dedication in bringing this event to life, with special recognition to Stratos Mandalakis and Nike Bach for leading the planning and execution efforts!
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!
- May 2 – Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Marathon with Team IOCC
- May 5 – Pittsburgh, PA: Open House
- May 7 – Chicago, IL: Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC
- May 19 – Remote: Parish Rep Workshop
- June 6 – Chicago, IL: IOCC Kit Drive and Presentation
- July 11 – Grand Rapids, MI: 5K Walk/Run to Support 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.
