 In April 1999, the municipality of Kalamaria collected 50 tons of humanitarian aid consisting of food and medicines.The mission was headed by mayor of Kalamaria Christodoulos Economidis.The Greek Ministry of Health issued a special permit that allowed blood donated by volunteers from the municipalities of Kalamaria, Pentalofos, and Florina, along with the monks of the Serbian monastery of Hilandariou in Mount Athos, to be included in the humanitarian drive.