Teens and seniors collect over 850 pounds of batteries
GOLDEN AGE FOUNDATION EVENTS
On March 14, the Golden Age Foundation (GAF) and Teens Against E-waste (TAE) worked together to host a free battery and e-waste recycling event for the Leisure World community.
A group of nine TAE volunteers, aged 13 to 17, from three local branches and five parent chaperones worked side-byside with GAF volunteers for a couple of hours under the bright sun. These teens helped residents unload used batteries, old cell phones, tablets, laptops, cables, and small household appliances from cars.
The event’s primary goal was to prevent these items, which contain hazardous materials, from ending up in landfills and to ensure the recovery of valuable metals that can be reused in new technology. The teens and GAF volunteers meticulously sorted batteries and e-waste and then loaded them onto the truck from JunkBug, a certified recycling company and longterm partner of TAE. The piles of e-waste served as a visible measure of their impact, with 856 pounds of batteries and 2,219 pounds of e-waste collected at the event.
The collaboration was a twoway street of inspiration. The TAE teens brought their characteristic passion and strong belief in youth activism to the cause, demonstrating the power of young leaders in driving environmental action. In turn, they gained invaluable knowledge from the experienced GAF volunteers, who shared their expertise on different battery types and recycling protocols.
Together, the teens and the GAF volunteers made a tangible difference for Leisure World. TAE looks forward to future opportunities to work with the GAF on projects that promote environmental responsibility.
The GAF would like to thank the nine TAE volunteers and five parents and GAF volunteers: Al Basler, Harry Varnas, Carol Ostergarrd, Geneva Potepan, Roberta Johnson, Kathy Gupton, Linda Johnson, Anna Derby and Carl Kennedy.
••• Salvation Army Donation April 11 The GAF, alongside the Salvation Army, will hold a donation event in the Amphitheater parking from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11.
In addition to giving residents a convenient venue to drop off donations, the program also saves shareholders money by cutting expensive haul-away costs for things previously disposed of at the 1.8-Acre site.
Donation bags will be available in Clubhouses 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 plus the LW Library and LW Weekly offices beginning March 30.
The Salvation Army accepts donations of clean, gently used, salable household items, including clothing, bedding, kitchenware, small appliances, electronics, toys, sporting goods, books, art, home decor, and small to medium furniture.
For more information on donating, contact Geneva Potepan at 951-675-4271, text 562-3015339, or email mom4rascal@aol.com.
••• KAA donates to GAF
The Korean American Association of Leisure World (KAA) presented its annual donation of $1,000 to the GAF. The KAA has been a consistent donor since the club’s founding in 2016.
The KAA consists of about 2,500 Korean American residents. The club’s purpose is to share information, promote fellowship, foster Korean cultural activities, and volunteer service toward this diverse community. The KAA meets quarterly, on the second Thursday in March, June, September and December. The KAA will host a Korean Night event in the Amphitheater “Korean Night” on Saturday, Aug. 15.
For more information about the KAA, call Steve Chung at 714-713-0167. ••• Ralphs Community Rewards Sign up on April 15 The Ralphs Community Contribution Program is an easy way for Leisure World residents to raise money for the GAF. The GAF had its best quarter in donations since starting the program in 2014, with 455 shoppers bringing in $1,703.10 in the last quarter of 2025.
An account is needed to participate in the program. Once linked to a Ralphs Rewards card, each time a person shops and swipes the card at a Ralph’s grocery store the GAF will receive a donation from Kroger’s at no additional cost. This is currently the only active fundraising project for the GAF.
People can sign up in person on Wednesday, April 15, in the Clubhouse 6 Hospitality Center from 9-11 a.m. People must bring a Ralphs membership card, personal email information and a cell phone to receive a verification code to complete the process.
For more information about the GAF and its upcoming events or to volunteer, text 562-301-5339 or visit www.goldenagefdn.org. —Anna Derby The Golden Age Foundation is not affiliated with the Golden Rain Foundation.
Korean American Association President Steve Chung and Golden Age Foundation President Anna Derby
GAF volunteers at the Salvation Army donation event
