Seniors Collect Art Supplies for Local Youth

Sequoia Living’s Senior Centers in San Francisco are collecting art supplies through December 14, 2022. All donations go to support school-age youth in The City.

Items requested include new or unused paint brushes, sketch pads, colored pencils, colored pens and markers, crayons, watercolor paint sets, and reams of copy or construction paper.

In keeping with tradition over the last decade, the Senior Centers are supporting two local partners through their annual holiday donation drive. “This year, our program participants have graciously chosen to gather donations for the Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco-Tenderloin Clubhouse and a classroom at Rosa Parks Elementary School,” said Bronwyn Peterson, Sequoia Living’s Intergenerational Program Coordinator.

To contribute to the Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco-Tenderloin Clubhouse program, art supply donations can be dropped off at the San Francisco Senior Center Downtown, 481 O’Farrell Street.

To help the arts in a classroom at Rosa Parks Elementary School, drop off donations at San Francisco Senior Center Aquatic Park, 890 Beach Street.

“We change the charities we donate to from year to year,” said Frank Mitchell, program supervisor at San Francisco Senior Center Aquatic Park. “In years past, we’ve donated to Casa de las Madres, Toys for Tots, and Hamilton Family Shelter to name a few.”

Through your donated art supplies, you are providing materials for youth so they can experience joyful and creative expression, add to a well-rounded education, and develop skills to help them grow and gain artistic skills. These skills will also provide an opportunity for growth and connection to the people and world around them. Donations help to relieve the stress and financial burdens that often fall on teachers and local nonprofits.

Recently, Sequoia Living’s Intergenerational Program partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco-Tenderloin Clubhouse. Through the partnership, school-age youth create connections, organize activities and foster relationships with older adults at the senior centers.

Another Sequoia Living partnership, AARP Experience Corps Bay Area (ECBA) matches older adult volunteer tutors with elementary age young readers, in K-3, to help build reading skills. Rosa Parks Elementary School is one of the elementary schools supported by the program, and pairs students with ECBA reading tutors.

Senior centers provide older adults with many opportunities to maintain an active social life by providing a safe and friendly environment, engaging them in activities and exercise classes, or enjoying time with friends over a meal. Sequoia Living’s programs and services help older adults remain socially connected and encourage continued growth, most importantly reducing isolation.

Participants at Sequoia Living Senior Centers are giving back to the youth who help enrich their lives throughout the year. To donate, please drop off items directly at one of two San Francisco Senior Centers.