By Elena Saviolakis
Philanthropy is a pillar of the Daughters of Penelope mission, and it is driven by a steadfast spirit of volunteerism from its members. From natural disaster relief, to raising funds to eliminate life threatening diseases, to making significant contributions to our local municipalities, the Daughters of Penelope is at the forefront of charitable giving.
In February, just prior to the shelter-in-place guidelines due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Daughters of Penelope Headquarters proudly presented a timely $10,000 donation to Meals on Wheels America Headquarters. This was the third $10,000 donation in as many years to Meals on Wheels America, which is the leading organization to address senior hunger and isolation.
Our members are always first to step-up and lead, especially during this pandemic. Our chapters and districts throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia, have donated funds to food banks, held emergency food drives, purchased and/or made masks and PPE for hospitals and medical facilities, and they are making and distributing hand sanitizer to individuals in need. We have members who are handling grocery shopping for those who are unable and members who are checking in on friends and family during this pandemic.
Also, our chapters are supporting global cultural initiatives during the pandemic. For example, the Daughters of Penelope Phaetuse Chapter 437, Paris, France, hosted a historic event on July 23 at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Greek singer-songwriter Monika performed Saving the World, a song she wrote during the quarantine, as a tribute to COVID-19 heroes worldwide. The event benefited hospitals in Greece as proceeds went to the purchase of PPE.
Healthcare workers and essential frontline workers are certainly heroes. We have members who are serving their communities in those roles, and we have members who are providing support to those heroes or are heroes to the family and friends to who they are lending a helping hand. During these difficult times, we are truly thankful and blessed to have such a wonderful sisterhood.
Front row (left to right): Grand Governor Zone II Charrie Regopoulos, Grand Secretary Georgette Boulegeris, Grand President Celia Kachmarski, Grand Vice President Kathy Bizoukas, and Grand Treasurer Marianthi Treppiedi
Back row (left to right): Grand Governor Zone III Gretchen Holtsinger, Grand Governor Zone IV Beverly Kennedy, Grand Governor Zone V Margaret Dritsas, Grand Governor Zone I Kathy Matrakas, and Grand MOA Advisor Kathy Leles
Photo: Dimitrios Panagos
