IOCC on the ground in Lebanon and Gaza crisis

BALTIMORE, MD [IOCC] — As Lebanon and Gaza continue to receive attacks on civilian infrastructure with hundreds of thousands fleeing their homes, International Orthodox Christian Charities [IOCC] staff is on the ground coordinating food, medical and hygiene supplies.

IOCC will deliver to Saint George Orthodox Hospital in Beirut two “New Emergency Health Kits” of 48 boxes containing medicines, IV fluids, and disposable supplies, expected to aid 20,000 patients over a 3 month period.
The kits, worth approximately $100,000, have been donated by Northwest Medical Teams and are assembled in accordance with emergency aid standards set by the World Health Organization.

IOCC’s Beirut staff is purchasing and assembling family food and family Hygiene parcels for those who have fled their homes in southern Lebanon who are now crowded into public schools, parks, and other areas. In addition, Church World Service will provide to IOCC with a container worth $100,000 in supplies, including 5,000 hygiene kits, 500 water containers, and wool blankets.

IOCC, which has been involved in Lebanon since 2001 with a USDA-funded Food for Education program, will use its network of public schools as distribution centers for thousands who need these basic life-preserving supplies.

Gaza, which is experiencing near daily artillery fire and aerial bombardment, is reporting scarcity of water, food, and medicine. IOCC, which has been implementing an emergency response program in Gaza, recently announced a $90,000.00 [70,000 euros] donation from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continue its provision of child and adult medicines, medical examinations, and nutritional supplements through local hospitals.

“We urge the Orthodox Christians in America, and all those concerned about the escalating humanitarian crisis in both Lebanon and Gaza, to support IOCC’s $500,000.00 Emergency Appeal for the Middle East,” says IOCC CEO Constantine M. Triantafilou. “The most effective way people can assist relief efforts is by making a direct cash contribution that will allow us to continue to acquire and transport these life-saving supplies.”

To make an online contribution, log on to IOCC’s web site at http://www.iocc.org or call IOCC toll free at 877-803-4622.