FEED THE HUNGRY PROGRAM 

The Feed the Hungry Program at Annunciation Cathedral, Chicago is held weekly – this year they served over 6,200 meals! More than 26 Philoptochos Chapters participate in the Program and work with multiple organizations or individuals to sponsor hot meals. Overall, the chapters served over 300,000 meals in 2023 to various local food banks, shelters, and their parishes. 

BLANKETS FOR BABIES

The Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Annual Quilt-A-Thon became Blankets for Babies, hosted by Sts. Peter & Paul’s Philoptochos and Youth Ministry. Many chapters hosted mini blanket-making events. The blankets help children get through treatments and surgeries and become a cherished possession for those that receive them. This year, 250 blankets were delivered to the University of Illinois Pediatric unit and local shelters in DeKalb, Illinois and in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

DRESS-A-GIRL AROUND THE WORLD

The event brings together Philoptochos sisters from around the Metropolis to create dresses and pants for children in India, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic. The 2023 event was hosted by St. Basil, Chicago IL – 52 dresses and 22 pairs of pants were created and distributed as a result of their efforts.

NEW! KIDS HELPING KIDS 

The parish of St. Mary’s, Minneapolis, was invited to support Gloria’s Place, the only emergency shelter in MN specifically for unaccompanied, pregnant or parenting youth (ages 15-17) and their young children, up to 3 years old, who are experiencing homelessness. Gloria’s Place is a program of The Bridge for Youth.

ANNUAL COAT DRIVE

350 coats were collected at the 2023 St. John the Baptist, Des Plaines, IL Annual Coat Drive. All recipients were also given a bag of groceries.

ERNESTINE’S DAUGHTER

The Philoptochos chapter of St. Andrew Chicago donated bath towels, wash cloths, soaps, lotions, and over 300 pairs of Bombas socks to “Ernestine’s Daughter” an organization helping women who have experienced violence, sexual abuse, or are survivors of human trafficking. 

TOYS FOR TOTS

As part of the Metropolis Community Christmas Celebration, 25 “Santa Bags” of donated toys were displayed as centerpieces and later given to the Lombard Fire Department for their Toys for Tots Drive to bring joy on Christmas Day!

OPERATION CLASSROOM

The Philoptochos Chapter of Annunciation, Milwaukee, WI, gathered school supplies for over 50 needy students who attend Refugee Fellowship Church Ministries. Many chapters throughout the Metropolis participate in this National Initiative. In 2023, over 5000 laptops, 10,300 toiletries,  and 11,400 socks and underwear were donated – impacting over 2200 students. 

METROPOLIS PHILOPTOCHOS PHILANTHROPY FUND

The Metropolis Philoptochos Philanthropy fund, in partnership with the Hellenic Foundation and National Social Services Fund gave over $71,000 in assistance towards rent, temporary housing, utilities, medical bills, and more. As of 2023, over $400,000 in financial assistance has been given by the collective chapters fulfilling our mission.