HRF: Distribution of food and school supplies in Athens

On September 17th & 18th, the Hellenic Relief Foundation, together with their partner organization in Athens ΕΛΕΣΘΥ, and in partnership with the Social Committee of the Athenian Society, conducted their monthly food distribution, which has been ongoing since 2012. The monthly packages included pasta, rice, flour, orzo, tomato paste, oil, sugar, frozen vegetables, and more. Marking the new school year, the H.R.F. also offered school supplies.

The distribution was attended by the President of the Athenian Society Mr. Eleftherios Skiadas, board member of the Hellenic Relief Foundation Mr. Philip Vogiatzoglou (Vogis) - who had recently arrived from the U.S., former Supreme President of AHEPA Mr. Savas Tsivicos, AHEPA Palaio Faliro Chapter President Mr. Evgenios Bardis, as well as AHEPA member, former Sons of Pericles President, and former President of the Order of Trustees Lee Milas. Also present at the distribution was the honorary president of ΕΛΕΣΘΥ, Ms. Saki Kypraiou, who "wanted to convey her thanks to the Greek diaspora, who have supported this project from 2012 until today."

Some 300 families and individuals took part in the distribution, under the direction of Ms. Maria Siourdi, director of the H.R.F's partner organization, as well as volunteers Soula Belli, Antonia Pantouvaki,Giannis Lambrou, Evgenia Salamani, Filippas Alvastimidis, Marina Goniotaki, Nikolias Gioukis, and employee Fotis Panagiotakopoulos.

The H.R.F.'s food distribution efforts were made possible by the Social Committee of the Athenian Society, the N. Konstantopoulou Group, Agrovim, Food Bank, Barba Stathis, Arla Foods, Violanta Cookies, AVS Services, Kritikos Super Market, Kamilaris AEBE, FrieslandCampina, Plaisio AEBE, Softex, Neohart, Panamos Hotel Lakonia, and Melimathon Akrivopoulos Veria Honey.

As part of the distribution, the beneficiaries were able to pick up for their children new school supplies and clothes, athletic shoes, backpacks, and stationary, compliments of the volunteers, and companies such as Meridian, Parex, and Plaisio. Despite children not being present, due to the school year being underway, the distribution was upbeat, as many of the children have been aided not just by the H.R.F., but also by the Athenian Society, and with support from the N. Konstantopoulou Group, since the beginning of their scholastic career through the end of high school, and have been provided not just with school essentials, but also free English lessons.

Looking ahead, the Hellenic Relief Foundation in partnership with the Daughters of Penelope - Kronos Chapter #188 and the St. George Greek Orthodox Community of Clifton, NJ are presenting a dinner dance to benefit the Christmas food donation program. It will be held on November 22nd at the church hall. For information and reservations, call (973) 779-2626.

Photo Credit: Stavros Tsakiridis