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August 2025: Each year, the JCC-Federation of SLO brings the spirit of Rosh Hashanah directly to our community through holiday gift bags filled with homemade honey cakes, apples, honey, and care. For those who may be elderly, isolated, or unable to join services, these bags are a meaningful reminder that they are not forgotten — they are part of our Jewish community. Last year, many recipients told us how special it was to feel remembered at such an important time of the year.
This program is only possible because of the support of our community. You can nominate someone to receive a bag, help bake honey cakes with us (so much fun!), assemble items, write a personal note to tuck inside, deliver bags across the Central Coast, or contribute financially to underwrite costs as we grow the program. Every act of participation makes a difference, ensuring that each person who receives a bag feels connection, warmth, and belonging as we enter 5786.
By volunteering or donating, you are not only helping with this holiday initiative — you are strengthening the JCC’s broader mission to connect, support, and celebrate Jewish life in San Luis Obispo County. Together, we spread sweetness, build community, and welcome the New Year in unity.
Thank you — Chag Sameach The JCC Board |
Thank you to the 2025 Volunteers:
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Happy Passover from JCC-Federation of San Luis Obispo
April 2025:
During the past week, 66 Pesach Gift Bags were distributed by a dedicated group of JCC volunteers to community members from Paso Robles to Lompoc. This year, it seemed especially important that the Pesach goodies include a small parsley plant — “karpus” — green and growing, which connects us to the gratitude we feel as we dip and taste the bounty of the earth at our Seder tables. The Holiday Gift Bags program would not happen without the work of volunteers, eager to reach out with love and friendship to people they might know well, and to those whom they are meeting for the first time. Janelle Eagle, Co-President at JCC, shares her own volunteer experience: “What an absolute joy and blessing it is to deliver Passover baskets to our neighbors. Each time I’ve had the opportunity to knock on doors and wish my fellow community members a happy holiday, I have left feeling so fulfilled. It’s an honor to represent the JCC as we connect in this way and serve those who may not have a way of celebrating or connecting more broadly with the Jewish community in this sacred season. I feel so grateful to be a part of these efforts.” Besides the Holiday Gift Bags program, your volunteer efforts and donations support the essential community-building work of the JCC Federation of SLO including Hanukkah Downtown, Camp Shoreshim and the Central Coast Jewish Heritage Festival. All these programs and events raise awareness of Jewish life, history, culture, and diversity of expression in SLO County and beyond. To donate to the Holiday Gifts Bags Program, click here. Thank you — Chag Sameach The JCC Board |
Thank you to the 2025 Volunteers:
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