Outreach program
Our goal for 2025 is to expand our Outreach services to, not just the local community, but also in places of need outside of the United States. We have added 3 new ministries in addition to the current ministries we have up and running. Please consider supporting one of our newer ministries as your heart guides you.
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)
MISSION IN MADAGASCAR
Our Parish is organizing a shipping container donation drive to support the Orthodox Christian Mission in Madagascar, serving both the local Church and orphaned children in need.
The community is invited to contribute new or gently used items to help meet both spiritual and practical needs of the mission. From essential religious items to school and household supplies, every donation will make a lasting impact.
Religious Items: Icons, vestments for priests, religious books, coloring books
School Supplies: 200 backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, and all other school materials
Sewing Equipment: Sewing machines, sewing machine threads
Kitchen Essentials: Metal forks and spoons, pots and pans, canned food (including milk), spaghetti, rice, and beans
Furniture: Desks and chairs
Clothing & Shoes: Men’s clothing, shoes, Crocs (various sizes)
Bicycles
Blankets and Covers
All donations will be packed and shipped in a container headed to Madagascar, directly supporting both the local Orthodox mission and the children they care for.
Donations may be dropped off or shipped directly to:
Holy Taxiarhai and St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church
7373 N Caldwell Ave
Niles, IL 60714
Those wishing to order supplies online and ship directly to the church are welcome to do so.
Your generosity will help bring hope, education, nourishment, and faith to communities in great need.
For more information, please contact George Giolas:
Phone: 708-548-2159
Email: george.giolas@saintharalambosgoc.org
bESSIE'S TABLE
Join us in offering a meal to those in need. Our Church prepares food and serves at Bessie's Table on the last Monday of every month (some exceptions.) The food is prepared at St. Haralambos Church earlier in the day (1pm-3pm), and delivered to First Methodist where we serve the people for both dine-in and take-out from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.
Learn more about the program HERE. To volunteer please call the church office for more details or to let us know you will be coming to help at 847-647-8880 or office@saintharalambosgoc.org
First United Methodist Church
668 Graceland Ave
Des Plaines, IL
Meals on Wheels
Every month volunteers prepare meals for individuals and families going through a tough time, who have just lost a loved one, or who are battling a sickness. Each month volunteers deliver bread rolls, soup/salad, main entree, side, vegetable, dessert and fresh fruit.
If you are interested in sponsoring a meal, cooking a meal, adding a family in need to our list, or have any questions please click here.
PACKING MEALS FOR THE HOMELESS
Over the past year we have held three meal packing events for the homeless. These events involve a team of about 30 volunteers who pack 1,000 lunches.
The cost for each of these events is $5,000.
To sign up as a volunteer, please CLICK HERE to be notified of the next meal packing event.
If you wish to contribute or sponsor one of
these events, please contact the church office at 847-647-8880 or office@saintharalambosgoc.org
