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St. Anthony Foundation Hosting its Annual Back-to-School Drive for Hundreds of San Francisco Schoolchildren
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sally Haims | Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
(415) 254-5884 | SHaims@stanthonysf.org
On August 10 and 11, St. Anthony’s Free Clothing Program will be distributing backpacks, school supplies, and clothing as part of a two-day giveaway in the Tenderloin
WHAT: St. Anthony Foundation will be hosting its annual Back-to-School Drive on August 10 and 11. The two-day event will feature the distribution of backpacks, school supplies, and clothing for children, many of them from families experiencing poverty and homelessness. With San Francisco Unified School District and other city institutions starting classes next week (if not, already), this event gives children in need the necessary equipment for a successful 2023-24 school year. Photo opportunities will be available.
WHO: Approximately 400 schoolchildren; parents/guardians; St. Anthony Foundation staff and volunteers
WHEN: Thursday, August 10 and Friday, August 11, 2023, 8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
WHERE: St. Anthony Foundation (Poverello Room), 150 Golden Gate Ave., 1st Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102
WHY: The Tenderloin is one of the most diverse and densely populated neighborhoods in San Francisco, and among its approximate 30,000 residents, an estimated 3,500 are children. For many of them, their summer break is ending, and they are preparing to return to school for a new year, which means fun with friends, meeting new teachers, and a world of learning and education. Unfortunately, for many families experiencing poverty or even homelessness, school supplies and clothing are a great expense (combined with recent effects of inflation and the Bay Area’s high standard of living), and our Back-to-School event helps ease any burden so that their children have everything they need to have a terrific school year. Items included as part of the drive are available for free thanks to the generosity of individual and corporate donors.
“An education is a fundamental right for any child, and they should not be left behind because they can’t afford school supplies. Thanks to our generous and thoughtful donors and the work of volunteers and our Free Clothing Program staff, St. Anthony’s is able to provide items that they need to learn math, science, English and other curriculum. We provide essential and life-changing services and that includes giving children the tools and resources they need for a proper education,” said St. Anthony CEO Nils Behnke.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sally Haims, 415-254-5884
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: In addition to school supplies and clothing, each child will receive a book donated by Chronicle Books.
All participating families have pre-registered for the event through signups by the Free Clothing Program. Due to an increase in participants, St. Anthony’s cannot accept any unregistered/walk-in families this year.
Photo Ops & Interviews (with permission)
- San Francisco schoolchildren and their families
- St. Anthony Foundation staff
- Volunteers
About St. Anthony Foundation
In the Tenderloin’s struggle with poverty, addiction, and mental illness, St. Anthony Foundation has been a beacon of consistency, companionship, and caring for more than 70 years. We provide our guests with a range of services—from a place to rest or take a shower, clothing, and addiction recovery, to meals, medical care, and workforce development. At St. Anthony’s, we take a different approach, one that delivers meaningful results — Hope. Stability. Renewal.
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