Philoptochos Ladies have received many blessings in their lives, but our biggest blessing is the ability to assist those who are less fortunate.
Every chapter in the Metropolis continues to embrace the mission of Philoptochos. The hearts of our members are big and warm. Despite the pandemic, the chapters continue to serve with fervor to help those who are less fortunate. The outreach during this time has been phenomenal. Many chapters have organized groups to call parishioners, volunteers shop, cook, and run errands for those who are comprised, thank you notes to the First Responders and to the Clergy, fellowship groups use Zoom or Teleconferencing to keep in touch in the comfort of their own homes, making masks which are in high demand, and funding and providing lunch for grocery store employees and other first responders, and the list goes on and on. The Metropolis of Detroit Philoptochos Chapters reach out in the community is so many different ways by providing meals to the homeless in the Feeding the Hungry Initiative. Food is the number one need, and the chapters continuously provide assistance and help at soup kitchens, and during this time, provide packaged meals for the safety of their patrons. The chapters have also embraced the National Philoptochos Operation Classroom Initiative. The chapters have provided school supplies, coats and toiletries to impoverished students throughout the Metropolis. In the spring of 2020, the Metropolis Board was busy planning a Facebook “No Show” fundraiser to provide support to Metropolis charities including the Alzheimer’s Association, benevolence to Metropolis Members, Summer Camps, Detroit Rescue Mission and many more. Through Social Media, the Philoptochos Board sent invitations to “Celebrate Women” who inspired us in our mission and in life. From March 17- May 17, donations were received honoring and memorializing women who are near and dear to us. Through chapter and individual donations, the fundraiser netted over $10,000. Each honored and memorialized woman was beautifully displayed in an individual post on the Metropolis Philoptochos Face book Page and Instagram. The Metropolis of Detroit Philoptochos awarded the second Florence G. Stefanou Scholarship to Nina Katherine Heister. Nina is the daughter of Catherine Stavros, and is a member of Holy Trinity/St Nicholas Church in Cincinnati, OH. Nina will be attending the University of Louisville in the honors program majoring in Bio Engineering. Congratulations Nina! The Metropolis of Detroit is honored and excited to be selected as the next site for the Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon on November 6, 2021 in the city of Indianapolis. Many wonderful events are already being planned for this phenomenal National Philoptochos event. By time you receive this newsletter, the National Philoptochos Virtual Convention will have taken place on August 21 and 22. Nearly 400 participants have registered, and Philoptochos ladies continue their work and serve others with innovative technology and social distancing! Looking forward to the time when we all can gather together safely. METROPOLIS CONTRIBUTIONS Benevolence through Partners in Philanthropy - $2,545 Covid Relief Fund - $1000 |