What We Do
Willow Glen Cares (WG Cares) fills gaps in the educational experience of students with the greatest economic need at Willow Glen Middle and High Schools through targeted, timely, and tangible support. We help students by discreetly addressing basic needs so that they can concentrate on learning and attend school with dignity.
WG Cares is a non-profit program of the Willow Glen Education Foundation.
Who Are WG Cares Students?
About 40% of our WGMS and WGHS students are struggling financially for many different reasons, and some are homeless. Our community’s attendance boundaries extend to include neighborhoods east of Highway 87 and southeast of Almaden Expressway.
WG Cares students face numerous barriers to attending school and WG Cares strives to provide support to make academic life a little easier. That way they may focus on improving their attendance, grades, test scores, and self-esteem. These improvements help to reduce truancy and at-risk behaviors, and can lead to opening more doors of opportunity to them.
Counselors, faculty, and staff confidentially refer students to WG Cares and each year we support between 350-400 students.
WG Cares has changed my life. They’ve given me so much and I’m truly grateful for everything. Clothes, shoes, school supplies, stuff for hygiene – it’s all helped me be more confident going to school and in my academics.”
-WGHS Graduate, Class of 2023
This place has been one of the greatest resources on campus, coming here every month for myself and my home. WG Cares will benefit everyone who needs help with hygiene and clothes.”
-WGHS Graduate, Class of 2024
How Do We Help?
Many WG Cares families have to make tough decisions between essentials like food and other items.
WG Cares helps students attend school with dignity while feeling part of the community. Here are some of the things we aim to provide each year.
Everyday Items, Every Month
Our Supply Room is open one week a month from September through May. We see an average of 125 students each month, providing them with shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, period pads, detergent, soap, and other personal care items at no cost.
School Essentials
Students can also pick up school supplies each month at the Supply Room, including paper, binders, pens and pencils, notebooks, calculators, backpacks, and more.
Clothing
Each month students can select clothes for free at “The Shop,” an area just outside the Supply Room. Donations of new and used clothing helps keep The Shop filled.
WGMS Uniforms
Donated school uniform tops, bottoms, and PE clothes in all sizes for middle school students are free and provided to students by school staff.
Student Gifts and Recognition
Gifts of clothing, food, and more during holidays as well as birthday and graduation recognition.
Special Occasion Clothing
Pop-up events throughout the year provide students clothing for Homecoming, Prom, 8th Grade Promotion, and Graduation. Donations of new and used dresses and men’s clothing make these pop-ups possible.
Additional Support
We also provide school-related items that may not be financially in reach. These include activity cards for WGHS students so they may attend home sporting events for free, prom tickets for juniors and seniors, yearbooks for 8th graders and seniors, as well as monthly snacks for both campuses. We also pay for up to four CSU and UC college application fees for seniors.
Ways To Donate To
Willow Glen Cares is run entirely by volunteers. All donations go directly to helping our students in need.
DONATE MONEY
We accept:
- Credit Card
- ApplePay
- PayPal/Venmo
- ACH Bank Transfer
- Personal Checks
DONATE CLOTHES
Donate new and used clothing in good condition. We take everything from everyday wear clothes to attire for special occasions (e.g., homecoming, prom and graduation).
Email our clothing lead to coordinate clothing drop off.
DONATE PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
Shop one of our Wish Lists to make an in-kind donation to the WG Cares Supply Room. Donations can be shipped directly to our volunteers through the wish lists.
HOST AN EVENT
We love partnering with community organizations. Email our program lead if you’re interested in hosting a supply drive to support WG Cares.
CORPORATE MATCH INSTRUCTIONSCORPORATE MATCH INSTRUCTIONS
Ask your workplace about corporate matching to double or even triple the impact of your gift! We appreciate every gift, no matter the size.
If you’re using a corporate matching portal:
- Select Willow Glen Middle and High School Foundation as the recipient.
- Important *: The memo/comment field must say “Willow Glen Cares” in order to direct the funds properly.
If you’re not using a corporate matching portal, you can submit any required forms to this address:
- Willow Glen Education Foundation
P.O. Box 8096
San Jose, CA 95155-8096
For help with corporate matching, contact
Follow Us!
For regular updates, follow Willow Glen Cares on Facebook and Instagram
Volunteer
Contact WG Cares for ways to get involved.