IOCC Sunday is November 24
Looking for a way to spread the word about IOCC in your parish? IOCC Sunday is the perfect day! There are plenty of ways you can bring your community together around giving to others:
- Encourage clergy participation. Ask your priest to read the IOCC Sunday Encyclical from the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States, and take a special collection for IOCC.
- Dedicate an activity after liturgy to IOCC. Organize a coffee hour or host a luncheon after liturgy to introduce the life-saving work IOCC does around the world. Show a video, display materials on a table for parishioners to take home, or raise funds to support those in need.
- Involve parish youth with a fun event. Even in the cold weather, there are so many things youth groups and Sunday School classes can do! Hold a kit drive or a have them host a fundraiser—a gyro sale, frappe sale, and spaghetti dinner are all great ideas.
Read more and download resources at iocc.org/dayofsharing.
Need a flyer or promo materials for your parish on IOCC Sunday? Contact Outreach at outreach@iocc.org or 410.243.9820.
Coming Soon: IOCC’s Prayer Journal
IOCC’s new prayer journal will be available soon!
This edition 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 to parishes and Sunday Schools. Order IOCC’s prayer journal for your group by emailing Stephanie Waslavek at our print warhouse (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 related shipping will be billed to your parish.
A digital version can be viewed at iocc.org/prayerjournal.
Walk or Run with TEAM IOCC
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” (Heb. 12:1)
As temperatures drop and marathons and 5Ks take place around the country, join TEAM IOCC to make your miles matter! Come run with us in one of the cities below, or create TEAM IOCC in your own hometown, to help families around the world.
- Baltimore – October 19 – Baltimore Running Festival: Join IOCC staff and supporters from the community for our sixth year running in Charm City.
- Your Hometown – Register for your favorite race here. You can walk/run solo or with a team!
Giving Tuesday
#GivingTuesday will be December 3 this year, and it’s never too early to gear up! Keep an eye out for this year’s campaign, and watch your dollars make a difference for those in need around the world.
Help People after Disaster Strikes
Want a way to give back, but can’t commit to an IOCC home build right now? DIY for IOCC combines your passion for helping others with having fun. Simply create a personal fundraising page through our website, and share it with your social network. We’re here to help every step of the way, so start today, and be the difference IOCC for someone in need.
Mobilize your own personal network today to help raise money for IOCC’s US Programs, which help others get back on their feet after disaster strikes. Get started here.
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 need volunteers to help repair and rebuild homes (no skills required!). Visit iocc.org/homebuild to learn more about our upcoming build in Houston, TX (18+ only) on October 21–26.
IOCC Awareness Events
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Long Beach, CA
Thank you to the young adults of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco 2019 Young Adult Conference! Conference organizers chose IOCC to be one of the weekend’s diakonia (service) projects. In the weeks leading up to the conference over Labor Day weekend, young adults help raise awareness and funds for IOCC by hosting coffee hours and collections for those in need around the world. At the banquet on Saturday evening, the committee presented a check of $3,000 to IOCC Frontliner Rev. Fr. Gary Kyriacou, who accepted on IOCC’s behalf. Thank you to the young adults of the Metropolis of San Francisco and all who helped raise vital funds to make a difference!
Denver, CO
IOCC supporters in the Greater Denver area gathered once again at St. Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Church on September 7 for their annual Pan-Orthodox 5K Run/Walk for IOCC. The event brought together more than 90 people of all ages from several local Orthodox churches. IOCC board member Elaine Cladis welcomed participants and offered a few words, and IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes gave a short update on IOCC’s work around the world. The race was followed by the Blessing of the Five Loaves and a wonderful meal and fellowship. Many thanks to board member Elaine Cladis and to everyone who worked so hard to make this awesome event possible!
Pittsburgh, PA
On Thursday, September 12, more than 40 IOCC supporters in the Pittsburgh area gathered for a Craft Beer Tasting at Rusty Gold Brewing Company. Guests sampled local craft beer and enjoyed catching up with each other while supporting the work of IOCC. Thanks to Nick Terezis and Kevin Reck for organizing yet another great event!
Cincinnati, OH
More than 25 people gathered at the Sansalone home on September 15 for a Greek-Inspired Tea to Benefit IOCC. Participants enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and tea, as well as fellowship, at this intimate gathering. Anna Catherine Sansalone offered remarks about why she was inspired to host this second event for IOCC, and IOCC Gift Officer Lou Zagami gave a short update about IOCC’s work around the world. IOCC Frontliner Dn. Alexander Petrovsky also shared a few words about his experience as an emotional and spiritual care counselor with IOCC. Thank you to the entire Sansalone family, especially host Anna Catherine Sansalone!
Louisville, KY
On Sunday, September 15, St. Michael Orthodox Church in Louisville hosted a coffee hour for IOCC, helping to raise funds and spread awareness about our work in places like the Middle East, Greece, and right here in the US. Thank you to volunteer Katherine Brasowski for organizing this great event for IOCC!
Chicago, IL
About 200 IOCC supporters and five clergy in the Chicago area turned out on a beautiful fall morning to “walk to the walk” for IOCC on September 21. Guests enjoyed a scenic walk along the lake and a beautiful reception with breakfast at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church. IOCC Development Officer Nick Kasemeotes offered remarks about IOCC’s global work, along with IOCC Metropolitan Committee Chair Bill Vranas, Former IOCC board member Donna Conopeotis, and event chair Maria Loukaki. Thanks to Bill Vranas, Maria Loukaki, Alex Mazarakos, and the rest of the volunteers for putting on another fantastic walk!
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 at 410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org.
Check for updates at iocc.org/events. And thank you for partnering with us!
- October 5: Charlotte, NC—Evening to Benefit IOCC
- October 5-6:Richmond, VA—Serving for Charity: Mixed Doubles Tennis Weekend 2019
- October 6: Hempstead, NY—Wine & Cheeses of the World
- October 9: Abilene, TX—A Reception to Benefit IOCC
- October 10: Dallas, TX—An Evening to Benefit IOCC
- October 12: Virginia Beach, VA—Fr. Savas Memorial Mission Walk
- October 13: Seattle, WA—Wine and Hors D’oeuvres Reception
- October 17: Pittsburgh, PA—Cognac Tasting to Benefit IOCC
- October 19: Baltimore, MD—TEAM IOCC at the Baltimore Running Festival
- October 20: Potomac, MD—Wine and Craft Beer Tasting to Benefit IOCC
- October 24: Chicago, IL—IOCC Happy Hour to Benefit Hurricane Dorian Relief
- October 26: Kansas City, MO—An Evening to Benefit IOCC
- October 27: Philadelphia, PA—Eighth Annual Benefit Banquet
- November 3: Indianapolis, IN—Annual Benefit for IOCC
- November 10: St. Louis, MO—IOCC Annual Banquet
- November 10: San Francisco, CA—27th Annual Remembering Home Banquet
- November 13: Rochester, MN—IOCC Reception
- November 14: Minneapolis, MN—Twin Cities IOCC Dinner
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.