page updated 4-4-07

Each year, there are numerous events that benefit the clients of CCA and require help from volunteers. Large events require many workers, while smaller events call for less people. Anyone interested in volunteering can find an opportunity at CCA.

Often times, participation in these events is a perfect way to introduce children to the unselfish act of helping their fellow man.

Gift of Giving

One of CCA’s most popular endeavors is the “Gift of Giving” holiday program. Each year, with the help of local churches, organizations, and individuals, CCA provides holiday gifts for up to 800 children.

Bi-lingual volunteers in September help interview CCA clients to determine the types of gifts they want for their children.

On the designated pick-up day in December, clients arrive at the South Norwalk Community Center and are met by volunteers, who check them in. Runners, then, retrieve the correct family bags packed with gifts for the client.

Make a Difference Day

Make a Difference Day is a national initiative that encourages volunteerism. This event takes place one Saturday in October each year. As part of this one-day event, CCA and several food pantries around the Norwalk area help collect food by manning collection food bins outside local supermarkets.

Postal Workers Food Drive

Every year in May, the United States Postal Workers conduct a one-day food drive for the various food pantries in the Norwalk area. As mail carriers deliver the mail, they pick up food donations left by the residents. All the collected food is delivered to a central location where it is moved and sorted by CCA volunteers and other volunteers from the different agencies. Sometimes, local organizations, such as a Boy Scout troop, will help out. Often times, more than 60000 pounds of non-perishable food is collected.

Food Drives

Many churches and organizations conduct food drives for CCA. Some are done seasonally (i.e. during Christmas and Easter seasons) and some are done on a monthly basis.

Volunteers affiliated with the specific organization collect and deliver the food to CCA’s pantry. Teens often get involved in these food drives.

Book Drives

Individuals, schools, and various organizations sometimes conduct book drives for CCA’s Open Books, Open Minds program. At the end of the drive, volunteers deliver books to CCA and help organize, sort, and place books on our shelves.