During these difficult financial times in Greece, I am concerned about the effect it’s having on families and children. I often see articles on the bailout, the EU and politicians, but I want to know about the people. I read about money being sent from America, but I’d rather read about the impact these donations are making. In a search for these answers, I found some resources I’d like to share.

1. Some stats: Greece’s unemployment rate has reached 16.5%. Heroin addiction has risen by 20% and HIV infections doubled in 2010. Poverty of elderly is higher than the European average.

2. There are a few cases of parents abandoning their children because they cannot afford to take care of them.

3. Parents are giving their children to youth centers and SOS Children’s Villages to foster them.

4. Three million Greeks were living below the poverty line in 2009.

5. Newly established NGO’s have been passing out food and blankets to families in need.

6.  Greece is a transit country where women and children are subject to sex trafficking.

 Stories and Ways to Give Back

1. A great article on the role of the Greek diaspora and excellent blog by the same writer on local initiatives in Greece.

2. A heartwarming story about a theatre in Thessaloniki that received food staples rather than money for spectators to purchase tickets.

3. Support one of my favorite US-based organizations that is helping Greece, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). In partnership with a local NGO, they gave over 3,000 tons of feed to farmers, set up food aid packages in 213 supermarkets and delivered food to 70 churches in need. You can designate your donation to their Emergency Response Network.

4. Support one of Greece’s most trusted non-profits, Xamogelo Tou Paidiou, meaning “The Smile of the Child,” who runs numerous programs to help children medically, physically, socially and psychologically. You can donate via PayPal or online.

5. Join the National Innovation Conference  brunch with Peter Economides in New York, who will discuss efforts on re-branding and helping Greece.

 ps- Do you know of other ways to get involved? I’d love to hear and share! 

(Photos taken by Christos Thanos, my father.)