Volunteer of the Month for May 2009
Debra George

Mrs. Debra George knew very little about IOCC earlier this year when an IOCC speaker came to her parish. This was the first time Debra fully understood what IOCC does. The conflict in Gaza was a turning point for Debra: “As a mother of three, all I could think of at that point was what a nightmare it was for the children there who were being shot at and bombed,” says Debra. “I couldn’t sleep and I prayed constantly for those young innocents.” This is when Debra decided to contact IOCC. Although Debra was a busy mother of three and had never planned an event, she knew that many people suffering overseas needed her help NOW. Debra and the Antiochian Women of St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church in Syracuse, NY planned a Gaza benefit luncheon on March 1, 2009. This was the largest IOCC fundraiser that was ever held in Syracuse. Over 200 people attended. The event raised nearly $10,000, which will enable IOCC to continue its work of providing food, blankets, hygiene supplies, home repairs, community center reconstruction and job opportunities to the most vulnerable families in Gaza.

This experience inspired Debra and other members of her parish to join the Syracuse Metropolitan Committee! They are hoping to have an IOCC event at St. Elias on an annual basis!