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Philanthropy Witness
The Official Newsletter of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society

June 2020
A MESSAGE FROM THE
NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS PRESIDENT
To the faithful and generous stewards of the Philoptochos Society across the Archdiocese of America,
 
   In the earliest days of the pandemic shut-downs, we came to the members of Philoptochos with a simple plea. Facing the unknown, and certain only that there would be unprecedented need, we asked you to do that which you have done for generations – offer a helping hand to your brothers and sisters in need.  And you responded, just as you always have, with selfless generosity.  Since the establishment of the Philoptochos COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, donations in excess of $100,000 have been received from chapters and individuals.  Most importantly, you allowed Philoptochos to offer, and to continue to offer, much needed assistance across the country, to individuals and families whose lives have been torn apart by an invisible foe.  
 
   But you did even more.  Hundreds of protective masks have been made and distributed by chapters.  Meals have been offered to people who previously provided for their families but who, through the loss of income or employment, can no longer meet this most fundamental need.  Care and comfort was also offered to the first responders, with meals delivered to hospital staff, longing for momentary relief from the pain and suffering surrounding them, hour after hour.  
 
   And, despite the cancellation of monthly meetings and annual fundraising activities, chapters forwarded their stewardship and commitments, regularly and generously. 
 
   Week after week, we have marveled at your constancy, at your resilience, and at your commitment to the mission of the Philoptochos Society. In the darkest times, the stewards and chapters of Philoptochos have offered a bright light, a heroic beacon of hopefulness and kindness, of love and faith.

Thank you for all you have done and for all you will do - whenever and wherever need exists. 
 
 

Maria Logus
National Philoptochos President 
 
MASK ON. SMILES ON. #PHILOCARE
 
After 89 years, Philoptochos still cares and will forever care. The new normal is wearing a face covering outside of your home. The CDC advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus, and help people who may have the virus and do not know it, from transmitting it to others. This is a public health measure. Come join us- MASKS ON!

Tell us why you #PhiloCare and why you cover your face. Please send your selfie to communications@philoptochos.org with #MaskOn in the subject field.

You will be featured across Philoptochos Social Media Channels.
 
#Philoptochos #PhiloStrong #PhiloCares #MaskOn #Together 
#BePatient #BeKind #TimeTalentTreasure #StayHome #StopTheSpread  #SpreadKindness #ThanksHealthHeroes #COVID19
#PHILOCARE
National Philoptochos Responds With A Multi-Pronged Approach to Provide Financial, Emotional, Spiritual and Loving Support to Individuals and Families Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Feeding the Hungry

  • On March 20, the National Philoptochos Executive Board approved immediate disbursements to two food distribution organizations: $25,000 to Feeding America, and  $25,000 to Meals on Wheels America
  • Chapters that were forced to suspend their local Feeding programs because of social distancing, were encouraged to donate to food banks in their local areas. 
Social Media Promotes Community Togetherness and Kindness       
  • National Philoptochos immediately instituted a dynamic social media campaign to encourage chapter engagement in projects related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Power of Thank You Campaign
Gratitude is the simplest, most powerful way to acknowledge another person's value and humanity. This campaign asked chapters to write thank you notes to "heroes": healthcare personnel, grocery staff, building managers, and delivery workers. 
 
In addition, chapters across the country arranged for food to be delivered to healthcare workers as a special “thank you.”
 
Promoting Togetherness and Community During Social Isolation
We are grateful that technology allows us to stay in contact with our community members to provide emotional support and lessen the feeling of isolation that has resulted from the Pandemic. The National Board and chapters have used Zoom to hold meetings, coffee hours and happy hours to stay connected with our Philoptochos sisters, our clergy, fellow parishioners, and friends and family.

Spiritual Guidance and Support
Finally, National Philoptochos sponsored a lecture from Rev. Dr. Nicholas Louh of Healthy Minds Healthy Souls, A Radio Ministry of St. John the Divine entitled “Finding Christ in the Crisis” on April 30. Fr. Louh provided resources from the Bible to provide comfort and support during these anxious and challenging times. Over 500 people logged on to the event, which was livestreamed on Facebook. A recording of the event can be accessed here. 

The National Board thanks everyone who has participated in these campaigns and worked to spread financial and emotional support and kindness throughout our communities during these difficult times.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
-Ephesians 2:10
Reaching Out and Keeping in Touch

We are also asking our chapters to contact the elderly and infirm, the self-quarantined, and those practicing social distancing.  We suggest using simple telephone trees to keep in touch and are urging our chapters to meet virtually, whether by video or telephonically.

  • If you need assistance establishing video conferencing accounts, please contact Amy Kalogeropoulos, National Philoptochos Development & Information Officer, at amyk@philoptochos.org.
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

In March, National Philoptochos established the COVID-19 Emergency Drive to provide funding for social service requests for rent, mortgage or utility payments, medical or other daily living expenses, food, or childcare. A plea went out over all Philoptochos social media platforms to support the drive, which enables Philoptochos to assist Orthodox individuals and families, which have been financially impacted by the crisis. To date, the Drive has collected over $100,000.

If you are facing an economic or financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic and need emergency help meeting your rent or mortgage payment, utility, food, childcare, medical or other daily living costs, or if the stress of the crisis has overwhelmed you and you would like a referral to a mental health counselor, click here. 

You’re not alone! 

  • Loss of income
  • Housing & Daily Living Expenses
  • Medical Payments
  • Mental Health Referrals

*Please email the Social Services COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Application to socialwork@philoptochos.org. If you are unable to email, please mail the form to: National Philoptochos Social Services, 126 East 37th Street, New York, NY 10016
THE POWER OF THANK YOU



THANK YOU. They are two words that have the power to make a difference.
 
Gratitude is the simplest, most powerful way to acknowledge another person's value and humanity. Take the time to write thank you notes to "heroes": healthcare personnel, grocery staff, building managers, and delivery workers. 

Please send photos to communications@philoptochos.org with "Thank you" in the subject field. 
 
Athanasia Parlapanides and her son, John, were compelled to take a break from homeschooling to color in this coloring page that they received from their local library to send out to first responders and others who are considered essential workers on the frontlines.

Athanasia, in her own words: "There have been many times since the beginning of March, when the world changed so drastically, that I have felt helpless and 'useless' because so many people were doing so much for others and I do not possess their talents and skills to help in the same way.  Due to the lock-downs, we 'non-essential' persons are limited in how we may be of help for various reasons.  This was one small way to tell those on the frontlines that my family appreciates them and we are grateful for their sacrifice for us, even though they don't know us. I did also send a thank you (a written one) to the local supermarket.  They, too, have been working hard to get the rest of us items we need and are often overlooked as deserving of our gratitude.

I am unfailingly astounded and humbled that so many people accept personal exposure to and danger of catching the virus and go to work every day to help others.  It has become a new habit to pray each night for God and our Theotokos to bless them and protect them always."

After receiving a request from the Detroit Metropolis Philoptochos President to send thank you notes from the local chapter to those who serve the church, the Annunciation Church Philoptochos chapter of Muskegon, MI got started with the secretary and president of the chapter taking the lead, sending notes to their parish priest, chanters, altar boys, choir director, and a parishioner who cleans and cares for the facility. 

In addition, the two of them have been staying in touch with many others in the parish through notes, cards, email, and phone calls. 

Taking the time to write a note, to make a phone call or to send a text can make all the difference to someone who is navigating this new world. To some, this may not be a big change but to others it may be life changing. Letting someone know you care can make a huge impact on someone's life - especially in a time when many feel alone or vulnerable. Thank you to everyone who is acknowledging the sacrifices of others and checking in on their communities. 
PHILOPTOCHOS CARES
METROPOLISES & CHAPTERS ARE ADAPTING
Showing Gratitude
 
The Assumption Church Philoptochos in Danbury, CT has found ways to keep their community safe while also showing their appreciation to those on the frontlines. They have been working on making masks, you will see some of their members pictured below in "Why We #PhiloCare." 

They have written and sent thank you cards to parishioners who are healthcare workers and donated $1,000 worth of food to the Danbury Hospital staff. They purchased the meals from a local catering hall, part-owned by a parishioner, therefore helping a local business as well. 
  


They also had some sad news to share. Their longtime Philoptochos sister, Lucille Herzegovitch, who was very passionate about the organization passed away at 85 years old. If she looks familiar, it is because she was in the "Come Join Us" video. Lucille will be greatly missed. May her memory be eternal. 
 


If you would like to see Lucille in the "Come Join Us" video, here is the link: https://youtu.be/E_Xm0EAyYCU
Finding Ways to Help
 
The Holy Trinity Church in Sioux City, IA, happens to be across the street from MercyOne Hospital.  The youth parishioners and Philoptochos members along with their Parish Priest, Fr. Luke, sent a message to the hospital workers recently. It wasn't delivered the typical way but certainly in a way that would stay with them.  


 
In addition, the Philoptochos members have been working on making face masks for MercyOne Hospital and UnityPoint Health Hospital.
 
      
 
The chapter has contacted parishioners and have run needed errands and purchased groceries for those in need. And if that wasn't enough, they have been promoting blood donations. Chapters are finding ways to help those in need, even in these unprecedented times.
Philanthropy Where it is Needed Most

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the SS. Peter and Paul Church Philoptochos chapter in Glenview, IL has been making donations to organizations that assist and honor first responders, the elderly and parishioners in need. 

Their donations went to: 
Lutheran General Hospital - $1000
$500 to their COVID-19 fund which will help to offset the cost of the emergency tents recently set up and supplies for coronavirus patients and doctors.  Also, an additional $500 to feed 50 healthcare workers. 
 
Glenbrook Hospital- $500
Funds to go towards feeding the hospital administration, lab workers and maintenance staff as they are the forgotten ones and are working as hard as everyone else.
 
Northwestern University Hospital –$500
Donation to their COVID-19 fund to help offset the cost of the COVID-19 supplies and PPE for Doctors and Nurses. 
 
Rush University Medical Center -$1,000
Donation to their COVID-19 Response Fund. The COVID-19 Response Fund assists with PPE equipment, testing supplies and medicines for COVID-19 patients with serious illnesses.
 
Lurie Children’s Hospital- $1,000
Donation to assist with their COVID Feel Good Gift which would support areas of need which include Family Support Packages, PPE equipment, Caregiver Support, Arts and Crafts, Food Pantry items and Lab Kits. 
 
Hellenic American Leadership Council-$500
HALC is partnering with Avli to feed needy families and the elderly of the Saint George parish area that cannot leave their home.  The Saint George parish has been hit hard with Covid and have numerous families that have a real need for food and money.
 
Greek American Rehabilitation and Nursing Home-$500
In addition, the chapter, in helping with the "Philoptochos Metropolis Mask Initiative" has a goal to make and distribute 10,000 masks by the end of the year. They have donated 1,600 masks already and are recruiting sewers to help and procuring fabric to make many more. 
Lifting Spirits and Filling Stomachs

St. John the Baptist Church Philoptochos of Anaheim, CA, along with FOCUS and Power of One Foundation, have been helping with food distribution during the COVID-19 crisis.  Whether it's in the warehouse packing food boxes or distributing the boxes at the drive-thru food drive, Philoptochos has been there almost every Saturday in April.  Each Saturday, food boxes are distributed to 5,000 cars.  In total they have fed over 133,000 people!  They have even managed to get some dancing in while loading the cars!
 
  
Filling a Need in the Community 

With local food banks experiencing shortages during the pandemic, the St. John's Church Philoptochos chapter in Blue Point, NY Knew there was a way they could help. They held a food drive to support two local food banks:  Light House Mission and Long Island Cares' Harry Chapin Food Bank.  Philoptochos members and parishioners donated thousands of dollars to the pantries through food donations and monetary donations in the span of two days. 

In addition, a few Philoptochos members went to Restaurant Depot and purchased over $1,000 in groceries which were delivered to Lighthouse Mission together with the non-perishable food donations. Through the generosity of Philoptochos members and the entire parish, 10 large SUVs full of groceries were delivered.  The remaining donations were sent to Long Island Cares.  

Thank you to all for supporting the local food banks and to the members who collected, shopped and delivered the items. 

 

Philoptochos Chapters Continue Their Outreach Projects

As an outreach project, Holy Trinity Church/St. Ypomoni Philoptochos chapter in Nashville, TN made 200 mini port pillows for cancer patients.  The pictures below are of nurses with the pillows that were delivered by one of their Philoptochos members daughter's, Alexis Phillips, an RN at Vanderbilt University Medical Center Hematology/Oncology unit. The pillows were made with velcro, allowing the patient to attach it to a car's seat belt, giving them comfort while driving or riding in a car.
 
 
WHY WE #PHILOCARE

Nitsa Carino, Past President of the Assumption Church Philoptochos chapter in Danbury CT, with her daughter, who is a nurse, proudly wearing the masks that were made for them.

  
Fevri Ganatsios, 1st Vice President of the Assumption Church Philoptochos chapter, chants at church and is making some of the masks the chapter is giving to families.
Fevri's husband, Niko, is pictured with her in the second picture. 


RoseMarie Harpole, a dedicated Philoptochos member proudly wearing her mask.  
CONVENTION REMINDER
  • $50 – Registration Fee for Delegates & Observers
  • Chapters may register an unlimited number of members 
  • A maximum of three voting delegates per chapter
The Registration Fee is inclusive of all collateral materials. Observers receive the same privileges and materials except the right to vote during the meeting. 
MAY/ JUNE NATIONAL COMMITMENTS

75th Anniversary Founder Fund

Total amount disbursed 2007 – 2019: $314,449.01

The 75th Anniversary Founders Fund provides support to Greek Orthodox older adults and their families. In addition, the Fund offers financial support to long-term care facilities serving aging Greek Orthodox individuals throughout the United States and may support the establishment of similar facilities or special projects dealing with aging.
Commitment Amount: Determined by Chapter


Orthodox Christian Fellowship

Total amount disbursed 2009 – 2019: $233,400.00

Orthodox Christian Fellowship is the official campus ministry program under the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States. It keeps Orthodox students connected to Christ and His Church during their college years.
Commitment Amount: Determined by Chapter

For more information on Commitments & Programs, click here.  

Do you know that you can support Philoptochos by shopping through Amazon?

AmazonSmile (smile.Amazon.com) is the charitable division of Amazon.com. Customers enjoy the same wide selection of products and low prices as on Amazon.com, with the added benefit of knowing that 0.5% of the purchase price will be donated to the charitable organization of their choice.

Thank you for supporting Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Inc. by shopping at smile.amazon.com. 
National Philoptochos Online Giving Page
 
By clicking on the button below, please make a contribution to the Emergency Fund to aid the National Philoptochos COVID-19 Response. 
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If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or articles you'd like to submit to this publication, please contact communications@philoptochos.org.






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Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society · National Philoptochos Office · 126 East 37th Street · New York, NY 10016 · USA