October Volunteer Newsletter
Thank you, Sutroites!
It’s remarkable individuals like you, who truly make a difference! We appreciate your interest and time invested, in changing the lives of others. Each month, this webpage will be updated with new volunteer opportunities and ways to give back to our community. Enjoy these fun and fulfilling activities while making a positive impact!
School Supply Drive
Sunshine Gardens Elementary School, SSF
Event Date: October 1-31
Contact: Kristen Behring, kbehring@sutrobio.com
Sunshine Gardens Elementary School is a public school located in South San Francisco and consists of 56% low-income and underdeserved students. The mission of Sunshine Gardens is to prepare all students with 21st-century skills and the foundation to become Global Citizens. The staff, families and community work together to create a safe and engaging environment for their students. The faculty strives to ensure student success and celebrates diversity. Encouraging their students to be their best selves and to reach their goals.
Help their student’s shine!
Wish List School Supplies
Baby wipes
Backpacks
Batteries (AAA, AA)
Clorox wipes
Crayons
Disposable gloves
Kid size disposable masks
Lysol spray
Notebooks
Pencils
Pens
White copy paper

Please drop off your donated school supplies in any of our labeled bins located in our Cell Free Cafe in Oyster Point or the Break Room in San Carlos
For more information
Annual Holiday Drive
IAFF Local 1507 Charity Foundation, Inc.
Event Date: October 1- December 17
Contact: Cheryl Tuck, ctuck@sutrobio.com
Sutro Annual Holiday Drive for the families of South San Francisco will remain virtual. The City of South San Francisco is kicking off their Annual Gift Drive and hope we can all show support as we have done in previous years.
Because of the ongoing safety concerns and county protocols regarding COVID-19, the city is unable to collect and sort food and toys as they have done in the past. In lieu of food and toys, the city is asking for monetary donations. All monies collected will be distributed among the families referred to this important program.
Any donation, no matter the size, will be greatly appreciated. For your convenience, the city has set up the following:
- PayPal: paypal.me/IAFFL1507CF<https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/IAFFL1507CF (In notes section, please add “Holiday Drive”)
- Checks:
Payable and mailed to:
IAFF Local 1507 Charity Foundation, Inc.
SSF HOLIDAY DRIVE
480 North Canal Street
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Please make your tax-deductable donation by DECEMBER 17, 2021. (Non- Profit ID: 47-4651354)

For more information
STEM Mentor: Middle School Mentor Program – VIRTUAL
CuriOdyssey
Sign Up By: December 1
Event Date: Academic School Year
Contact: Volunteer at CuriOdyssey, volunteer@curiodyssey.org
BIPOC youth face systemic barriers throughout their education and daily lives which contributes to the lack of diversity we see in STEM fields today.
The STEM Mentor program seeks to enhance the resources available for BIPOC youth to pursue STEM learning in a safe space where they can connect with and be encouraged by supportive role-models. Mentors are changemakers who empower students to amplify their voice, achieve their educational goals and envision the journey to a STEM career.
As a STEM Mentor, you will be paired with a middle school student and meet virtually twice each month during the academic year. This time together will give you the opportunity to explore STEM activities using CuriOdyssey’s signature inquiry style, listen and learn from each other’s experiences, and offer academic support for STEM classes.
STEM mentors of all cultures, gender identities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We aim to build a diverse mentor team so that students may be paired with folks who are best equipped to support diverse narratives in STEM career pathways.
Major Responsibilities:
- Meet with an assigned middle school student for two regularly scheduled sessions each month, 4:30-5:15pm on a weekday, using the Groupworld platform
- Serve as a role model and foster a positive relationship with the student
- Provide academic support, with special attention to STEM related subjects
- Provide personal and career path advice and support
- Explore STEM activities using CuriOdyssey’s signature inquiry style
- Consult with Program Coordinator should any challenges or concerns arise
- Complete a pre- and post- program assessment
Requirements:
- Strong interest in sharing your passion for science and other STEM subjects
- Reliable, empathetic and enthusiastic
- Comfortable engaging with a middle school student in an online setting
- Able to lead online sessions with sufficient internet speed and bandwidth to prevent freezing
- Have a private, quiet and uninterrupted space while communicating with student
Training and Support:
- Interactive online training in January and February 2022
- STEM Mentor Program Coordinator will provide on-going support and additional resources during the year
Benefits:
- Knowing you have created a transformative experience for a middle school student who might not otherwise have considered pursuing a STEM degree or career
- Help youth develop critical thinking, problem solving and other STEM related skills
- Enhance your online communication and leadership skills
- Experience inquiry-based, learner-driven education
CuriOdyssey Volunteers Receive:
- Tri-annual volunteer newsletter
- 15% discount from the CuriOdyssey Shop
- Inclusion in annual volunteer celebration in the spring
- Free admission to CuriOdyssey for volunteer and up to 4 guests during any regular admission hours
To Apply:
- Mentor application available on our website starting October 1, 2021
- Deadline to apply: December 1, 2021
- Applications will be reviewed and responded to on an on-going basis
- In addition to the application, we require an interview, two personal references and a background clearance
Want to learn more?
- Watch mentor program video and/or attend an online Open House: See Volunteer
- Address specific questions to volunteer@curiodyssey.org
- The STEM Mentor program is a vital part of our comprehensive STEM Corps initiative. Learn more here: STEM Corps