The roots of Creating Connected Communities were first planted more than 25 years ago as Amy Zeide’s bat mitzvah project. After learning about a need in her community, Amy organized a small holiday party for a local shelter. More than 25 years later, Amy’s Holiday Party has grown into a thriving nonprofit organization, serving thousands of children and families in need year-round and engaging hundreds of teens in meaningful volunteer work.
Honoring our history, CCC helps young teens looking to make their mitzvahs matter more through community service projects. We also provide opportunities for scout troops, synagogues, and school clubs to partner with CCC for group service projects. We offer opportunities to serve the community in a meaningful and hands-on way through activities, fundraisers, and collections that truly enhance our programs.
CCC’s monthly community-building programs provide children experiencing hardship with thousands of gifts, meals, books and personal care items. CCC also creates countless smiles as they participate in carnivals, create craft projects, dance with a DJ, and so much more!
CCC’s GOAL Programs pair teen volunteers with a child for the duration of the event, allowing teens the chance to build one-on-one connections and interact with each child based on their needs or interests. GOAL Programs further differentiate themselves by including learning support in addition to games, engagement opportunities, and craft & sports activities.
Celebrations are CCC’s midsize programs and are designed to keep the teen volunteer-to-participant ratio small, creating a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. Teens run each activity station, as well as interact freely with participants. Children enjoy sports activities, games, crafts, and many opportunities for organic group play.
Complete with carnival games, bounce houses, food, a DJ, and dancing, CCC’s Festivals are our largest programs and designed to be fun, loud, and exciting environments. These programs are most likely to include the entire family, allowing parents and kids to enjoy activities together that they would not normally be able to experience.
CCC’s signature program, Amy’s Holiday Party is an annual, one-of-a-kind, winter celebration serving children and families from 40+ social service agencies. Guests are able to select gifts and books to take home, create arts & crafts, participate in carnival games, take a photo with Santa, and more! In 2021, CCC hosted 5 parties over 2 days, serving 900+ guests.
Complete this quick online form and we’ll contact you to discuss your mitzvah project! Questions? Please email Amy Forbes at aforbes@cccprojects.org.
Apply to join our Leadership Development Program for 8-12 graders!
