Smiles and Good Cheer at the Tenderloin Tech Lab Holiday Party

On a recent afternoon staff, volunteers and guests of the Tenderloin Tech Lab (TTL), a partnership between San Francisco Network Ministries and St. Anthony Foundation, gathered for their Fourth Annual Holiday Party. My friend Marilyn and I reminisced about the fifteen years we have known each other. When we first met she was temping in St. Anthony’s Free Clothing Program. Marilyn now works part time at a senior center, sometimes eats in our Dining Room and uses the TTL for computer and internet access. Recently we have seen a 23% increase in enrollments for the TTL’s computer classes and a 30% increase in drop-in lab use. Everyone enjoyed sandwiches, potato salad, pretzel sticks, grapes and holiday cookies. Hot coffee was especially appreciated! Entertainment included clips from old holiday shows, everything from Charlie Brown to I Love Lucy, and karaoke. A raffle generated much excitement with prizes like flash drives and head phones. All received Hunger Bowl t-shirts and caps, and beautiful polo shirts. Old friendships were renewed and joy was in the air. It was a wonderful celebration of the season! For more information about the Tenderloin Tech Lab take a look at their website.