NEW YORK, NY – [Photo Credit: Stavros Tsakiridis]
In keeping with tradition, the annual Christmas distribution event, organized by the Hellenic Relief Foundation (HRF) and hosted at the brightly lit and festively decorated premises of the Hellenic Voluntary Relief (ΕΛΕΘΣΥ) in Athens took place on December 20th and 21st, in collaboration with the Social Committee of the Athenian Society.
During the distribution, beneficiaries of the ongoing support programs were provided with the staples for their holiday meal including turkey or chicken (based on personal preference,) as well as vegetables, oil, pasta, sugar, rice, legumes, milk, tomato paste, cheese, butter, soda, cookies, sweets, and more.
The distribution took place under the guidance of Ms. Maria Siourdi, whose efforts were graciously recognized and rewarded with the well wishes, hugs, and kisses from beneficiaries old and young. The entire effort was also assisted by volunteers and supporters including Soula Belli, Antonia Pantouvaki, Emy Spanou, Yannis Lambrou, and Fotis Panagiotakopoulos.
Ahead of the holidays, Ms. Maria Siourdi, director of the H.R.F’s partner organization ΕΛΕΘΣΥ, ensured that all those who were in need, including those that were not part of the usual distributions, received basic staples as well as everything necessary for a holiday meal.
As many as 387 food packages were distributed to beneficiaries in Athens and Piraeus, with additional food parcels delivered to various organizations, including the Church of St. Catherine of Petralona – under Fr. Zafirios, the Church of the Transfiguration – under Fr. Siosios, the Mutual Assistance Fund of the Association of Greek Actors (TAΣEΗ), the Meropeio Nursing Home of Athens, and the Christodoulio Orphanage, a workshop for people with special needs, and 10 families from the “Asia Minor Village” in Kifissia.
The Christmas distribution was also made possible from notable contributions by the community of St. George in Clifton, NJ, the Daughters of Penelope Kronos Chapter #188 (District 5), and AHEPA District 25, HJ-38 Phalereus (P. Faliro), HJ-4 Solon (Halandri), HJ-9 Themistocles (Piraeus), HJ-2 Glyfada, and HJ-55 Thucydides (Alimos.)
Crucial contributions from our sponsors included the N. Konstantopoulou Group, Agrovim, Kamilaris AEBE, Karamolegos, Barba-Stathis, FreislandCampina, Food Bank, Harasiadis Group, Loulis Mills, Tottis Bingo, the 2nd Municipal Market of Athens, Melissa-Kikizas, and AVS Services (Outsourcing Solutions.)
Financial support for the event was also made possible by the N. Konstantopoulou Group, Mr. Thomas Doxiadis, volunteers Antonia Pantouvaki and Soula Belli with the purchase of 100 pairs of shoes, and many contributors of the ΕΛΕΘΣΥ.
Looking ahead, the Hellenic Relief Foundation in partnership with the St. George Greek Orthodox Community of Piscataway, NJ are presenting a dinner dance to benefit the Easter food donation program. It will be held on January 31st at the church hall. For information and reservations, call (908) 612-5044 or (908) 512-6222.
