Volunteer Opportunities
Membership is not needed to volunteer. We have many opportunities for you to help those in need in our community:
Faith Kitchen Service prepare and serve hot meals at the Faith Kitchen of Trinity Lutheran Church in Dover, NJ
Food Drives collect and deliver food donations to local pantries
Coat Drives collect and deliver coats to local organizations for dispersement
Tricky Tray help with this dynamic fundraiser which raises thousands of dollars annually for our charities
Bake Sales come bake with us and buy or sell baked goods to help fund our chapters philanthropic efforts
Raffles support these fundraisers by buying or selling raffle tickets
Knit blankets and make pillows for those in shelters, hospitals, nursing homes
Minister to those in prison
We have volunteer opportunities for everyone no matter your experience or schedule.
Charities/Relief Efforts
Our Philoptochos chapter makes monthly contributions to National Philoptochos which uses these funds to support organizations as well as relief and support efforts on a national and international level. These include:
Academy of Saint Basil
Autism Fund
Children’s Medical Fund
Ecumenical Patriarchate
National Emergency Fund
General Medical Fund
Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology
International Orthodox Christian Charities
National Sisterhood of Presvyteres Benevolent Fund
Orthodox Christian Fellowship
Orthodox Christian Missions and Support a Mission Priest
Retired Clergy and Widowed Presbyteras Benevolent Fund
Saint Photios Shrine
75th Anniversary Fund
Social Services/Cancer and Other Major Illnesses Fund
United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
Complete descriptions of the above can be found at http://www.philoptochos.org/outreach/commitments#saintbasil.
These organizations support the Greek community here and abroad. If you know of an Orthodox Christian individual or a family in need, please refer them to the Metropolis of New Jersey Social Service Chair at 908-301-0500 or the National Philoptochos Social Services division at 212-977-7782. The Philoptochos is here to help.
Saint Andrew Philoptochos Local Charities
On a local level, our Chapter supports many charities such as:
Faith Kitchen
Market Street Mission
Family Promise of Morris County and Sussex County
Interfaith Food Pantry
Zoe for Life
Hope for Life
With the assistance of various local organizations, the Philoptochos coordinates collections that provide for the needs of our community:
Project Backpack school supplies are collected by our chapter to support the efforts of the Market Street Mission. Supplies are distributed through the MSM
Food Drives food is collected from our parishioners and/or local communities in support of the Interfaith Food Pantry of Morris County
Coat Drives -- gently used coats, jackets, mittens, scarves etc. are collected by our chapter to support the efforts of the Market Street Mission. Supplies are distributed through the MSM at an annual coat giveaway on the Morristown Green
Other collections as needs arise, we also collect toys, toiletries, baby items and new clothing
Hands on Philanthropy
Feeding the Hungry
The Saint Andrew Philoptochos has always helped feed the hungry through food drives and hands on work in soup kitchens and homeless shelters in our area. In 2015, in response to the National Philoptochos Feeding the Hungry Initiative, our chapter led the charge at St. Andrew Church to buy, cook and serve over 100 hot meals each month at Faith Kitchen in Dover. We provide sandwiches for days the kitchen does not serve meals and we prepare and supply supplemental meals for when they are needed.
Knitting & Pillow Making Ministries
Through financial support, the Philoptochos assists these ministries of Saint Andrew Church. Blankets, pillows, scarves and other items are lovingly made by our parishioners for individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, shelters and orphanages.
Fundraising
The members of the Saint Andrew Philoptochos actively engage in fundraising efforts needed to meet the financial needs of our philanthropic efforts. Each year we raise the thousands of dollars needed to support our local and national charities. Our major fundraiser is the Tricky Tray which is held in May. In 2016 Tricky Tray proceeds benefited The Family Promise of Morris County and Sussex County. In 2017, the Children's Medical Fund was the beneficiary.
Another major fundraiser is the Rummage Sale held in our church gym each September.Proceeds support the purchase of materials and supplies needed by the knitting and pillow making ministries and a portion of the proceeds is also gifted to Saint Andrew Church to support other ministry efforts.
Monthly Trays
Once a month we are generously supported by direct donations from our parishioners.
The proceeds of these collections are put towards our chapter's monthly commitments to National Philoptochos charitable efforts.
Other Fundraisers
Community Christmas Card we print a yearly Christmas card using art created by our youth. Proceeds go directly to individuals and families in need in our community as determined in consultation with our parish Priest.
Christmas and Easter bake sales our baking group and chapter members bake Greek specialties for sale within our community and to the public.
Special Raffle raffle of a luxury item
Recognition & Support Opportunities
Scholarships
Each year the St. Andrew Philoptochos invites graduating seniors to submit an application for scholarship consideration.
The award is based on the following eligibility criteria:
- Parents are stewards of Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox Church
- Involvement and participation in Church activities
- Required academic and deadline information. Please see link:
http://bulletinbuilder.org/system/pdfs/PhScholarship2017ApplicationandCoverLetter-0.pdf?1489004286
To be considered for the scholarship award, please complete the attached application.
Mail or hand deliver the scholarship application and all supporting documentation to:
St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church
1447 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph, NJ 07869
Attn: Philoptochos Scholarship Committee
We welcome your application and wish applicants success in their future endeavors.
Mother of the Year Award
The Philoptochos is the 'Mother of the Church'.The Mother of the Year is an honor bestowed on a member of the Philoptochos who exemplifies the definition of "Mother" --caring, compassionate, and committed to improving the lives of her family and those around her. Mother of the Year is awarded on Mother's Day.
Sunshine Committee
This committee sends a card to lift someone's spirit in a time of need. If you know of anyone who is ill, has suffered a loss or needs a kind word, please let us know.