This summer, our Greek America Corps volunteers gathered in Athens, Thessaloniki, Chios, and Chania to serve with open hearts, learn from local communities, and live out the true meaning of philanthropy.
Across four programs, they tackled challenges from food insecurity to refugee support and environmental protection. Thanks to donor generosity, volunteers were able to focus fully on service while experiencing Greece’s beauty—a summer of hard work, connection, and transformation.
Serving Families & Building Community
Our Athens program began at the Ronald McDonald House, where volunteers rolled up their sleeves to build a mobile library for young patients at Agia Sophia Children’s Hospital. From sanding wood and painting shelves to stocking the library with books and games generously donated by the Greek America Foundation, the team poured love into every detail. What started as a construction project quickly became a labor of joy—knowing that children and families would have a bright, playful space to escape into stories and imagination.
Volunteers also partnered with Boroume to fight food waste—collecting produce at farmers’ markets and learning how innovation helps tackle hunger across Greece—and with Nea Smyrni Elementary’s “Green Detectives,” planting trees and transforming a bare schoolyard into a living classroom. Together, these efforts strengthened community bonds and demonstrated how small acts of service can nurture lasting change.
On our final day, our group dedicated their time to help organize and sort inventory at the warehouse of Emfasis Foundation, an organization we’ve partnered with for years which provides humanitarian aid to homeless and food-vulnerable populations in Athens. They also support communities affected by the devastating floods in Thessalia.
Nourishing Bodies & Minds
In Thessaloniki, volunteers reconnected with the Odyssea Youth Centre through its A Meal of Joy initiative, preparing and distributing more than 200 warm meals to homeless residents across the city. They also partnered with the Ukrainian Greek Initiative to host playful language workshops for refugee youth—filled with games, geography lessons, and laughter. Together, these projects nourished both body and spirit, building bridges through food, creativity, and compassion.
Protecting Greece’s Natural Heritage
On Crete, volunteers joined Archelon—the sea turtle protection society—to build shade structures that guide hatchlings safely to the sea and support long-term conservation research. Watching newborn turtles reach the water was a powerful reminder of how small actions can spark lasting change. They also partnered with a local elementary school to plant trees, clean outdoor areas, and paint playgrounds—creating greener, safer spaces for children to learn and play.
Learning & Growing Together
In Chios, volunteers worked with METAdrasi to teach English to refugee youth. Lessons adapted to each group’s level and often turned into cultural exchanges—like making peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches together. The real lessons, though, came through empathy and connection, as volunteers and students learned and grew side by side.
Cultural Immersion Experiences
Beyond their service projects, volunteers immersed themselves in Greek culture—climbing Athens’ hills, exploring Thessaloniki’s landmarks, and discovering Chios’s sacred sites and historic mastiha villages. Shared meals, hikes, and moments of reflection deepened their connection to Greece and to one another.
The Greater Impact
Whether planting gardens, cooking meals, or protecting sea turtles, our volunteers proved that small acts of service can spark lasting change. None of it would be possible without the generosity of our supporters, whose contributions empower young people to lead with compassion. Together, we’re building a movement of connection and philanthropy that continues long after summer ends.
For more information about our Greek America Corps volunteer program, click here. To make a donation, click here.