CALIFORNIA GREY BEARS, INC. is an affirmative action, nonprofit, membership organization of "Seniors Helping Seniors" in a spirit of volunteerism unparalleled anywhere in Santa Cruz County. Grey Bears was started in 1973 by a couple of young people and some seniors who came together to share their excess produce. The purpose of Grey Bears is to supply seniors 55 and older with free, nutritious, and budget-stretching "Brown Bags" of groceries which come from donations that are picked up from local stores or farms, donated, or gleaned from the fields. Grey Bears' goal is to be as self-reliant as possible, and, as a result, we started a recycling program which contributes one third of the revenues necessary to make it possible to serve 2700 seniors throughout the County. One quarter of our members are homebound seniors unable to leave their homes for medical reasons. Grey Bears helps seniors to live independently longer. Grey Bears is managed by a Board of Directors who designate through paid staff the day-to-day supervision of the operation. Positions are elected every 2 years for a 4 year term and are voluntary positions. Volunteer standards and regulations are handled by a Volunteer Advisory Committee which meets monthly. Volunteers make our program cost-efficient. The feeling of helping others is motivation to keep 500 volunteers active. Grey Bears is not just about food, however. It's about a spirit of cooperation in an extended family environment which makes this organization special for young and old. All volunteers in any position will receive an orientation and/or training.