Atlanta – National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas announced disbursements of $332,000 for its ministries and programs at the 2010 National Philoptochos Convention meeting in Atlanta, GA at the Marriott Marquis from July 4 – 7th. These disbursements bring the total disbursements for the period of January 1 – July 4, 2010 to $937,958, achieving new levels of giving by the organization and its 485 Chapters across the country. In addition, National Philoptochos disbursed $2,834,861 for the two year period from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009.

Convention disbursements included funds to the Direct Archdiocesan District and each Metropolis for special medical programs to assist families and children as well as financial assistance to Orthodox Christian senior citizens in need.
Special presentations were made to the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, St. Photios Shrine, Retired Clergy Benevolent Fund, Orthodox Christian Mission Center, International Orthodox Christian Charities and Support a Mission Priest.

A $10,000 donation was made to the Blessings in a Backpack – Feeding the Future of America program to provide a backpack filled with food goods to 125 children every Friday for an entire year in a nearby Atlanta school. This followed the presentation of the St. Nicholas Philoptochos members of Troy, Michigan who initiated the Blessings in a Backpack program in their parish. Data show that well-nourished children learn better, are more likely to attend school and are empowered to take advantage of educational opportunities.  

The National Philoptochos is comprised of 27,500 members across the country.  

For information: Christine Karavites, 508.982.4276
www.philoptochos.org - (212) 977-7770