The first food, clothing, and footwear distribution of 2026 took place on January 27th at the Hellenic Relief Foundation and their partner organization in Athens ΕΛΕΘΣΥ‘s headquarters, in partnership with the Social Committee of the Athenian Society. This distribution also coincided with the cutting of the new year’s pita, which was attended by the Greek-American musician Stavros Theodorou. The traditional lucky coin ended up in the piece doled out to the offices.
The packages contained pasta, rice, flour, oil, barley, milk, and more. In addition to the basic food items, they were enriched with vegetables like green beans, peas, and spinach – complements of Barba Stathis – and butter provided by Ariston, among others. Around 210 packages were distributed, primarily to large families and individuals.
The distribution took place under the guidance of Ms. Maria Siourdi, accompanied by volunteers Antonia Pantouvaki, Soula Belli, Yannis Lambrou, and Fotis Panagiotakopoulos.
During the distribution, a British couple who live in Athens also visited with their baby. They donated 4 packages of clean clothes for adults and children in good condition. Ms. Siourdi, in a gesture of kindness and philanthropy in turn, offered a pair of new shoes for their little one.
Corporate sponsors for this distribution, and others past, included the N. Konstantopoulou Group, Agrovim, the Social Committee of the Athenian Society, Food Bank, Loulis Mills, Barba-Stathis, FreislandCampin
Finally, during the days of slight snow but bitter cold in Athens, blankets, sandwiches, and hot drinks were provided to the unhoused near the headquarters.
The HRF and its partner organization ΕΛΕΘΣΥ wish that this new year brings us all health, prosperity, and the strength to continue their work.
