Wishing You Joy This Nativity Season
Christ is born! Glorify Him! IOCC wishes all of our faithful volunteers a joyful Nativity feast—whether you’re celebrating in December or January—and a new year filled with blessings for you and your loved ones.
Thank you for everything you do, all year long, with IOCC to share your compassion with people in need worldwide. Reach around the world with Christ’s love.
Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Builds
IOCC has several volunteer opportunities to support long-term recovery projects after disasters in the US. Communities affected by these catastrophes often face great need long after the crisis has ended, and we need volunteers to help repair and rebuild homes (no skills required!). Visit iocc.org/homebuild to learn more about our upcoming builds:
- Daytona Beach, FL: January 6-11 (18+)
- Key West, FL: March 16-21 (18+)
- Houston, TX: June 15-20 (16+)
Souper Bowl of Caring
The Super Bowl is coming up fast on February 2, and with the big game comes a big chance to help people in need—the Souper Bowl! You can help both locally and internationally: organize a food drive in your parish to donate nonperishable goods to a local charity, and collect funds for IOCC to help those around the world. Click here to get more ideas and downloadable materials.
Looking for Lenten Recipes
Calling all cooks! We’re compiling Lenten resources, and we need your help! If you have any delicious fast-friendly recipes from around the world (or right here in the US), please submit them to outreach@iocc.org. We may share your recipe and name as part of IOCC’s Lenten recipe series in 2020.
Thank You for Giving on #GivingTuesday
On behalf of IOCC and the people we serve, thank you for your support during #GivingTuesday. On December 3, hundreds of donors gave more than $155,586, which will help us IOCC provide clean drinking water, emergency shelter, nourishing food, and so much more to those in need around the world.
Order Prayer Journals for Your Parish or Sunday School
IOCC’s new prayer journal highlights the scripture of Matthew 25, the inspiration for IOCC’s mission. It offers a glimpse into the lives of children and families around the world and shows how your prayers and support are helping them build a brighter future.
Print copies are available for your parish or group by emailing Stephanie Wazlavek at our print warehouse (swazlavek@webbmason.com) or by calling 443.589.1565. IOCC is pleased to cover the cost of the journals, while a fulfillment cost of $9.61 plus shipping will be billed to your parish.
A digital version can be viewed at iocc.org/prayerjournal.
IOCC Awareness Events
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
East Lansing, MI
Thanks to the Michigan State Orthodox Christian Fellowship for hosting IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes at their last meeting of 2019 on December 3. A group of 10 students attended and learned about IOCC’s ongoing work in places like Syria, Greece, and the United States. Thank you to Ellen Rzepka for organizing this great evening!
Grand Rapids, MI
On Wednesday, December 4, St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church hosted a reception and presentation entitled, IOCC Faith In Action Around the World. The evening began with a Paraklesis service and was followed by a Lenten refreshments and a presentation by Stacey Mason, IOCC Director of Operations. His Grace Bishop ANTHONY was also in attendance and offered special remarks on God’s love and the importance of IOCC’s mission. The following weekend, the parish hosted an IOCC health kit drive, and the St. Nicholas Sunday School students helped assemble the packets. Thank you to Dn. David Khorey and everyone at St. Nicholas who helped coordinate the event!
Bloomfield Hills, MI
Thank you to St. George Greek Orthodox Church for hosting an IOCC presentation on December 8. The parish presented IOCC with a check for more than $10,000, after fundraising throughout the fall. During Liturgy, IOCC Chairman of the Board Mark Stavropoulos and IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes offered a special presentation and update on IOCC’s work around the world. Thank you to Fr. James Honeycutt for organizing this great day!
Upcoming Events
Interested in planning your own event to raise awareness about IOCC? Get one on the calendar today! We’d love to send a speaker to your parish or event, so please contact us at410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org.
Check for updates at iocc.org/events. And thank you for partnering with us!
- January 23: Salt Lake City, UT—Wine and Chef’s Tasting
- January 30: Cleveland, OH—A European Wine Tasting to Benefit IOCC
- February 1: Milwaukee, WI—IOCC Tailgate Event
- February 8: Wyckoff, NJ—A Taste of North Jersey
- February 1: Pittsburgh, PA—International Soup Sampling and Health Kit Assembly
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.