Night to Shine is a celebration that honors individuals with special needs by creating an unforgettable evening of joy, dignity, and love. Through an accessible prom experience, volunteers, families, and the community come together to ensure every guest feels valued, celebrated, and cherished as a beloved child of God. Our goal is to reflect Christ's love by fostering inclusion, encouragement, and meaningful connections for every participant.

If you would like to volunteer to this magical event, complete the volunteer form, QR code on the bottom of the page

3rd Annual  Night to Shine Event at St. Haralambos is Friday February 12th, 2027

Through our vessel of hope ministry we collect and ship containers of humanitarian aid to communities in need around the world. Filled with essential supplies such as food, clothing, medical items, and other necessities. We strive to bring hope, encouragement, and basic essentialsto those who need it most.

Vessel to Madagascar completed in 2025

Vessel to Kenya currently in planning

The mission of WINGS Program, Inc. is to provide housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence. We are taking up collections of products ( basic essentials) to assist in housing needs for women affected by domestic violence

Items needed will be emailed out to the community in August.

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 contact our church office

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

A ministry that prepares, packages & delivers meals  to people in need in the Greater Chicago homeless shelters. 

 (Family Friendly volunteer opportunity) 

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

Food Pantry Collection

Our loaves and fishes ministry collection helps provide essential groceries to individuals and families facing food insecurity in our local community. Through the generosity of donations, we are able to support local food pantries and ensure that those in need have access to nutritious meals. The donation baskets are located outside the church office. 

In collaboration with Orothodox Christian Prison Ministry OCPM who is committed to longterm relationships, meeting the needs of our brothers and sisters while inside the prison system and after his or her release.

Training and assignment of a penpal is the first step to this ministry. If this ministry touches your heart please contact our church office for more details on how to get started. 

Each Christmas season, our DCFS Toy Drive brings joy and hope to children and families served by the Department of Children and Family Services. Through the generosity of our community, we collect toys and presents for assigned familes to help ensure every child experiences the love and excitement of Christmas.

Each year, our Annual Coat Drive provides warm winter coats to individuals and families in need. By partnering with local homeless shelters and the generosity of our community, we help provide warmth to those that are most vulnerable.  

This ministry is active in October and November