Visit IOCC at the 2019 Antiochian Convention
Will you be attending the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese Convention coming up in Grand Rapids, Michigan (July 21–28)? If so, stop by our exhibit booth and chat with IOCC staff: Sandra Mansour, Outreach Coordinator, and Gift Officers Lou Zagami and Nick Kasemeotes. We’d love to see you!
IOCC Is Hiring! Outreach Coordinator Position Available
Are you interested in a job at IOCC headquarters in Baltimore? We’re looking for an individual to help us plan fundraising events, share awareness about IOCC, and work with volunteers in cities across the US. Does this sound like you? Check out the full job description here, as well as another opportunity as a Program Manager in Greece.
Serv-X-treme for Orthodox Youth
Serv-X-treme is IOCC’s annual leadership conference designed for high-schoolers. It aims to provide Orthodox youth with a deeper understanding of Orthodox philanthropy and diakonia(service) through meaningful hands-on opportunities and leadership-building activities. This year’s conference is July 27–August 2. See details here on how to apply to be a youth advisor and how to nominate a high-school senior to participate!
World Refugee Day – June 20
Thanks to your ongoing support since 1992, IOCC has offered emergency assistance and longer-term aid, as well as hope and opportunity, to millions of refugees fleeing violence and uncertainty across the globe.
Read more here about IOCC’s support to refugees throughout the years!
Volunteer for an Upcoming Home Build
As summer approaches, 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 are looking for volunteers to help repair and rebuild homes (no skills required!). Current opportunities:
- July 22-27: Houston, TX
- August 5-10: Houston, TX
- August 19-24: Houston, TX (18+ only)
Please visit iocc.org/homebuild to read more and apply.
Volunteers in Action
Let us know about your kit drives and IOCC presentations—email images and brief write-ups tooutreach@iocc.org so we can feature them here. And thank you!
New Jersey
Elizabeth, a Girl Scout, is going for her Gold Award by making IOCC emergency kits. This month, she drove 100 school kits, 75 health kits, and 10 clean-up buckets up to the warehouse in New Windsor, MD. Thank you, Elizabeth, for your leadership and service to those in need!
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!
- September 7: Denver, CO—IOCC Pan-Orthodox Walk/Run
- September 21: Chicago, IL—13th Annual Walk the Walk for IOCC/Run
- September 26: New York City—Cocktails for a Cause
- September 28: Akron, OH—Team IOCC at the Akron Marathon
- October 5-6:Richmond, VA—Serving for Charity: Mixed Doubles Tennis Weekend 2019
- October 12: Virginia Beach, VA—Fr. Savas Memorial Mission Walk
- October 17: Pittsburgh, PA—Cognac Tasting to Benefit IOCC
- October 19: Baltimore, MD—TEAM IOCC at the Baltimore Running Festival
- October 27: Philadelphia, PA—Eighth Annual Benefit Banquet
- November 10: St. Louis, MO—IOCC Annual Banquet
IOCC Awareness Events
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
BEALTON, VA
Over 45 guests from St. Patrick Orthodox Church came together on May 25 for a Georgian Wine Tasting, the first event of its kind in the area! Reader Zenon Brockett of Georgian Wine House guided attendees through a flight of five wines, including some made in the ancient qvevrimethod. The Gegeshidze family, members of St. Patrick’s, graciously made a Georgian meal to accompany the wines. The hall was decorated with small table flags and beautiful red and white flowers, and the event highlighted the special role of the Georgian Orthodox Church in wine-making. It was a wonderful afternoon of wine, Georgian culture, and fellowship for a good cause!Many thanks to Marilyn Price and all of the volunteers who organized this lovely event!
DENVER, CO
Young adults from several Orthodox churches gathered on June 1 at St. Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Greenwood Village for the second annual Springtime Beer Garden event. The 35 participants enjoyed beer, bratwurst, pretzels, sliders, and other snacks at the outdoor gathering. Along with the fellowship, the young adults learned about IOCC’s work and how to get involved from a short presentation by IOCC Frontliner Danielle Xanthos. Thanks to Danielle Xanthos for putting together this great gathering, as well as the generous donor who provided all of the beverages from local breweries!
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
More than 50 participants came down to the Virginia Beach oceanfront for the fifth annual 5K Walk for IOCC, hosted by Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Saturday, June 8. Several local Orthodox parishes gathered to walk on a cloudy morning and afterward enjoyed fellowship and bagels on the Fishbones Restaurant patio. Some participants came from as far as Williamsburg and Newport News! Event chair Maria Herring addressed the group and spoke about why IOCC’s mission is so important to her, and IOCC Manager of Outreach Christina Meares thanked everyone for attending and offered a short story about IOCC’s response to Hurricane Florence. Fr. George Bessinas offered a benediction and welcomed brother clergy Fr. Milton Gianulis and Fr. John Manuel. Thank you to Maria Herring and the entire Annunciation community for this great morning for IOCC!
