The San Francisco Unified School District is officially back in session. And for many Tenderloin-dwelling students, that means back to campus, then on to the neighborhood's many after-school programs.

Meeting the fresh school year head-on, 826 Valencia is launching its first after-school program in its newly opened tutoring center on Golden Gate and Leavenworth. Thousands of students are descending on the whimsical clubhouse for one-on-one tutoring, says Molly Parent, programs and communications manager at 826 Valencia, and they need hundreds of new volunteers to help meet the demand.

In true 826 Valencia creative fashion, the nonprofit is turning its volunteer drive into a fun game. Students have placed stories they've written into bottles with an SOS, and all week on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, they'll be sharing clues to where these bottles can be found.

If you're too busy to play along but do want to get involved in after-school tutoring, check out the job description then apply online.

Or, stop by the Tenderloin and Mission centers this Friday to get to know the students and staff by celebrating 8/26 Day, "the official holiday of the 826 Valencia network." From 11am-5pm, the Tenderloin center's shop—King Carl's Emporium—will be offering cupcakes, writing activities and the chance to listen to the students's podcast. And from 4-7pm, the Mission center is hosting a family-friendly open house with more writing activities, cake and sparkling cider.