In summer 2026, the Greek America Foundation celebrated ten years of service, volunteerism, friendship and impact throughout Greece with our Greek America Corps summer volunteer program.
To mark this milestone, the Foundation invited current volunteers, alumni, supporters, families, local partners and friends from around the world to join us on the island of Chios for two days of hands-on service, community and celebration.
At the heart of the weekend was our work with METAdrasi, one of Greece’s leading nonprofit organizations supporting refugees, migrants and other vulnerable populations. Founded in 2009, METAdrasi was created to fill critical gaps in the reception and integration of refugees and migrants in Greece.
Its work includes interpretation and intercultural mediation, the protection of unaccompanied children, education and integration programs for children and adults, and support for asylum seekers and other vulnerable groups.
Greek America Foundation volunteers have supported METAdrasi’s work at the VIAL refugee center on Chios through teaching, sports, music, arts and crafts, cooking, painting, maintenance projects and recreational activities with children.
During Community Days, participants had an opportunity to learn directly from METAdrasi’s staff about its work, the people it serves and the realities facing refugees and asylum seekers living on Chios.
FRIDAY, JULY 31
9:30 AM–2:00 PM
SERVICE ACTIVITIES WITH REFUGEE CHILDREN
Transportation was provided from a location in Chios town.
Participants joined Greek America Corps volunteers and METAdrasi staff for a morning of service and activities with refugee children ages 5–15 connected with the VIAL community.
The morning began with an introduction and Q&A session led by METAdrasi. Staff members shared information about the organization, its work on Chios and the educational and humanitarian programs it provides.
Participants then divided into projects that included:
Baking kormos, the traditional Greek chocolate biscuit dessert, with the children.
Cleaning and gardening, including preparing new planters and adding plants and soil to improve shared spaces.
Creating a collaborative group artwork or banner with the children.
Sharing fruit and snacks during a group break.
Participating in sports, games and music activities designed to encourage movement, creativity and interaction.
2:00 PM – DEPARTURE FROM VIAL CAMP
Transportation was provided back to Chios town.
6:30–8:00 PM – COMMUNITY BEACH CLEANUP
Transportation was provided to and from the beach from a location in Chios town.
Greek America Corps volunteers, Community Days participants, adult refugees and members of the METAdrasi team came together for a beach cleanup.
The activity offered participants an opportunity to serve alongside members of the refugee community while contributing to the protection of Chios’ natural environment.
8:00 PM – A TASTE OF CHIOS
Following the beach cleanup, participants gathered for a tasting of Chios specialties, including products made with the island’s world-famous mastiha.
9:00 PM – COMMUNITY DINNER
The evening continued with an informal dinner bringing together volunteers, alumni, supporters, partners and friends of the Greek America Foundation.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
9:30 AM–2:00 PM
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AT VIAL
Participants returned to the VIAL site for a second morning of service alongside adult refugees and members of the METAdrasi team.
Projects included cleaning and painting a mural on one of the facility’s containers, organizing a storage area and completing additional maintenance and beautification work.
These practical projects helped improve shared spaces while giving Community Days participants an opportunity to work directly alongside the people and organizations serving the refugee population on Chios.
AFTERNOON – VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BEACH PARTY
Following the morning service activities, volunteers, alumni, families, supporters and friends gathered for a special afternoon beach celebration honoring our current Greek America Corps volunteers, alumni, service partners and the community that supported the program throughout its first ten years. Food and drinks were available for purchase.
Families were welcome throughout the weekend, and age-appropriate opportunities were planned for children and teens. Additional instructions regarding transportation and participation in individual service activities were shared with registered attendees.
Guests were encouraged to arrive on Thursday, July 30, when informal welcome gatherings began.
The weekend marked ten years of Greek America Corps in the most meaningful way possible: by bringing people together once again to serve.