Our Greek America Corps volunteers are on the island of Chios working alongside METAdrasi to support educational and recreational programs for refugee children and other vulnerable young people. They are teaching, making art and music, playing sports, improving classrooms and creating moments of safety, encouragement and joy for children whose lives have already been shaped by hardship and displacement.

We are raising approximately $2000 to fulfill a practical wish list that includes backpacks, notebooks, books, art supplies, games, sports equipment, classroom shelving, paint, snacks, a guitar and shared meals with the children. These may seem like simple items, but each one helps turn a classroom into a welcoming place where a child can learn, create, play and feel seen. Every gift—large or small—will become something tangible in the hands of a child on Chios.

• Shelving — $15

• Guitar for music lessons— $250

• Notebooks — $5

• Pens, pencils, crayons and markers — $15

• Ten backpacks — $15 each

• Games — $25

• Pencil cases — $5

• Volleyball and football — $20

• Air pump — $5

• Children’s books — $20

• Novels for teenagers — $20 or more

• Paint for our Community Days projects — $100

• Snacks for the children — $50

• Water — $20

• A shared group meal — $100

• An ice cream party with the children — $50

These are not extravagant requests. They are simple, practical things that make learning, creativity, recreation and human connection possible.

A $5 gift can put a pencil case into a child’s hands.

A $15 gift can provide a backpack.

A $50 gift can offer snacks or an ice cream celebration.

A $100 gift can help us paint and transform a shared space or bring everyone together around a meal.

Our volunteers have already given their time, their energy and their hearts. Now we are asking our community to stand beside them.

Choose an item. Sponsor an experience. Give whatever you can. Every contribution will become something real and tangible on the ground here in Chios.