Just in time for the holidays, local teens — all members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast’s teen leadership program, the Keystone Club — delivered holiday gifts requested by seniors who live at Marian Extended Care Long Term Care Facility in Santa Maria.

Young people from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast’s teen leadership program and the Keystone Club hold gifts for seniors as they pose for a photo in front of a Christmas tree decorated with gold and white ornaments. (Courtesy photo)
Young people from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast’s teen leadership program and the Keystone Club brought holiday cheer isolated seniors. (Courtesy photo)

For the second year in a row, the teens wanted to give back to the community and help elders who might not have local family to treat them to a gift this holiday season.

Working with Marian Extended Care staff, the teens along Boys & Girls Club staff, identified residents and what their holiday gift wishes were.

The teens spent most of November and December encouraging the community to donate to their gift drive; raising funds to buy gifts; collecting gifts and handwriting thoughtful notes and pictures to the gift recipients.

In total, 47 gifts were delivered, which is 17 more than the number of gifts donated in 2024.

Mary Bolton, program coordinator for Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast, oversaw the project and worked directly with the Keystone members.

“The enthusiasm that our Keystone members showed in wrapping and distributing was heartwarming,” she said. “It was our second year partnering with Marian Extended Care, and many of our kids were new to this project this year.

“They enjoyed giving the gifts to the residents, and having small conversations as they did so.”

For more about the Teen Program, the Keystone Club or other programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast, contact Anna Libbon, chief program officer, at anna.libbon@centralcoastkids.org or call 805-922-7163.