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What We Do

Grey Bears improves the health and well-being of seniors and our community through food and meal delivery, volunteerism, resource conservation and reuse.

A weekly grocery bag filled with fresh produce and healthy staples

Grey Bears distributes these Healthy Food Bags at various locations throughout Santa Cruz County, conveniently near your home or workplace, 48 weeks a year. Home deliveries are only available for seniors who are disabled and aged 50 or older.

Grey Bears Healthy Food Program: a weekly bag of fresh produce and staples
Three men work together to repair a wheelchair at a Grey Bears Repair Cafe

Sustainability
Programs

Recycling

Every bottle, can, and newspaper counts. Grey Bears’ Recycling Center diverts millions of pounds from the landfill each year, turning waste into resources that sustain our programs and our planet.

Repair

Don’t toss it — fix it! Our Repair Café events empower the community to extend the life of beloved items, reduce waste, and learn valuable skills alongside talented volunteer fixers.

Compost

Transforming food scraps into nourishment for the earth. Our compost program closes the loop by reusing organic waste to create healthy soil — helping gardens and communities thrive while diverting food waste from the landfill.

Thrift Store

Shop with purpose. The Award- Winning Grey Bears Thrift Store offers gently used treasures at affordable prices, while supporting our mission to nourish seniors and protect the environment. Every purchase gives back.

Support Grey Bears

Social Connection

Community is at the heart of healthy aging. Grey Bears creates spaces for seniors to connect, learn, and celebrate — from shared meals and educational workshops to vibrant volunteer opportunities. Everyone belongs here.

2 senior women in conversation at a Grey Bears event
Give your vehicle a new purpose! 🚗💛

Donate any car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle to Grey Bears through Car Easy. Free pickup, tax-deductible, and every donation helps support seniors in our community!

Tap the link in our bio to get started today. 🌟

#DonateYourCar #GreyBears #SupportSeniors #CarEasy

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Grab a delicious bite and help us feed seniors in our community. Every meal makes a difference — we can’t wait to see you there! 💚🥕

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Calling all artists! Submit your Grey Bears–inspired design for a chance to be screen-printed on our volunteer shirts! 🐻💛

Theme: Rooted in Community Deadline: March 13th

📧 Email your design to jessica@greybears.org
#GreyBears #RootedInCommunity #SantaCruz

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Our Senior Dating Mixer was a heartwarming success! 💕

Almost 100 seniors from across the county filled the warehouse at Grey Bears for an afternoon of laughter, connection, and sweet treats — some looking for friendship, others for love (and a few proudly choosing both!). ❤️

From People Bingo and sparkly hearts to cozy goody bags generously donated by 1440 Multiversity, every detail made the day special. We were even featured in Lookout Santa Cruz — be sure to check out their full story, link in bio! These photos are from that feature! 

#SeniorDatingMixer #GreyBears

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Join Pacific Voices and the talented singers of Kirby School Choirs for a unique and moving choral concert celebrating the enduring wisdom that flows between generations. 💛

Thank you, Pacific Voices and the Kirby School Choir! We are so grateful for this incredible intergenerational concert benefiting Grey Bears. We’re honored to be supported by such talented performers. 🐻

Click the link in our bio to purchase your ticket today!

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Staff Spotlight! 🐻🥕

Congratulations to Danielle on officially graduating from the LEAD Institute!

We appreciate her kindness, leadership, and the thoughtful way she engages with both our volunteers and recipients. We are so proud of you and grateful to have you as part of the Grey Bears team!💛

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Thank you, Star One Credit Union! 💛

We are so grateful for your support!

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At Grey Bears, we believe in waste not, want not. ♻️

We know the power of sustainability comes from giving items a second life and rescuing food that would otherwise end up in the landfill. That’s why we were so grateful when Bent Dime Winery offered to team up with us to give new life to the lemons and oranges they use to produce limoncello and orangecello. 💛

Thank you Bent Dime Winery!🐻🥕

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