IOCC on the Ground in Lebanon and Gaza Crisis

July 28, 2006

IOCC on the Ground in Lebanon and Gaza Crisis

Critical Food and Medical Supplies Provided for Middle East Crisis

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Baltimore (IOCC) -- As Lebanon and Gaza continue to receive attacks
on civilian infrastructure with hundreds of thousands fleeing their
homes, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) staff is on
the ground coordinating food, medical and hygiene supplies.

IOCC will deliver to St. George Orthodox Hospital in Beirut two
"New Emergency Health Kits" of 48 boxes containing medicines, IV
fluids and disposable supplies expected to aid 20,000 patients over a 3
month period. The kits, worth approximately $100,000, have been
donated by Northwest Medical Teams and are assembled in
accordance with emergency aid standards set by the World Health
Organization.

IOCC Beirut staff is purchasing and assembling Family Food and
Family Hygiene parcels for those who have fled their homes in
Southern Lebanon and are now crowded into public schools, parks and
other areas. In addition, Church World Service will provide to IOCC a
container worth $100,000 in supplies including 5,000 hygiene kits, 500
water containers and wool blankets.

IOCC, which has been involved in Lebanon since 2001 with a USDA-
funded Food for Education program, will use its network of public
schools as distribution centers for thousands who need these basic life-
preserving supplies.

Gaza, which is experiencing near daily artillery fire and aerial
bombardment, is reporting scarcity of water, food, and medicine.
IOCC, which has been implementing an emergency response program
in Gaza, recently announced a $90,000 (70,000 euro) donation by the
Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continue its provision of child
and adult medicines, medical examinations, and nutritional
supplements through local hospitals.

"We urge the Orthodox in America, and all those concerned about the
escalating humanitarian crisis in both Lebanon and Gaza, to support
IOCC's $500,000 Emergency Appeal for the Middle East," says IOCC
CEO Constantine M. Triantafilou. "The most effective way people can
assist relief efforts is by making a direct cash contribution that will
allow us to continue to acquire and transport these life-saving
supplies."

To make an online contribution, go to http://www.iocc.org  or call toll
free 1-877-803-IOCC (4622).

For media calls: Contact Amal Morcos at 410-243-9820 or (cell) 404-805-4142.

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