Dozens of Volunteers — the Heart and Soul of St. Anthony’s — Gather to Prepare Thousands of Warm Winter Care Kits

November 23, 2024

Many hands made light work Saturday afternoon at St. Anthony’s Giving Thanks on Golden Gate Distribution Prep Day in the Poverello Room. Accompanied by Christmas tunes and a roaring digital fireplace on the big-screen TV, dozens of volunteers — including families, sisters, and classmates — came together for the good of Tenderloin neighbors who might be struggling as the holidays approach.

A competitive bunch, volunteers compared methods to streamline the process while preparing warm winter essentials, including thousands of socks, hand-knit hats, scarves, blankets, children’s goody bags, and hygiene kits. Vital tools for building trust, these care kits can serve as the first step on a guest’s journey to finding stability by accessing St. Anthony’s comprehensive, integrated set of whole-person services, including meals served 365 days a year, medical care, peer support, residential addiction recovery, job training, and more.

“Thank you for including my family and me in such meaningful work. Contributing to the incredible impact of St. Anthony’s was truly an honor,” said Dr. Megan Mahoney, chair of UCSF’s Department of Family and Community Medicine.

Next Tuesday, at St. Anthony’s 3rd Annual Giving Thanks on Golden Gate Block Party & Distribution Event, volunteers, supporters, and elected officials will spread holiday cheer while giving away hot chocolate, cookies, and care kits.

“We can’t do this critical work alone,” said Dr. Larry Kwan, CEO of St. Anthony Foundation. “That’s why we’re so grateful for our supporters and local leaders for showing up. Only together can we continue to uplift thousands of San Franciscans all year.”