SANDPIPERS’ HOLIDAY BASKETS-A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY TRADTION

On Saturday, December 14th, Sandpipers distributed basic necessities and gifts for 113 families in need in the South Bay through the Holiday Baskets program.  Each “basket” had an average value of more than $800 and contained basic household goods, grocery scrip, shoe certificates for more than 296 children, toys and gifts.  Sandpipers’ members, Sandpiper Juniors and Manhattan Beach Rotarians collectively volunteered their time gathering and wrapping the gifts and making the deliveries.

“Sandpipers Holiday Baskets bring such joy and fulfillment to our participants, who experience firsthand how the generosity of so few can deeply affect the lives of so many,” said Philanthropy Vice President, Lee-Meredith Howard. “It leaves an indelible impression on the heart. This is why the program has continued to grow, from 13 baskets at its inception 82 years ago, to 113 baskets today. We are proud of this long-standing tradition within our organization and hope to see it continue to flourish.”

Since its inception in 1931, Sandpipers has delivered Holiday Baskets to financially struggling families, providing them with much needed basic necessities and hope based on the realization that strangers really do care. Initiated at the height of the Great Depression, the Holiday Baskets Program is the cornerstone project of Sandpipers. While the annual program has been a community favorite since its humble beginnings, it has experienced a surge in relevancy and need due to the current economy.

About Sandpipers

Sandpipers is a 100% volunteer organization celebrating 82 years of service and is dedicated to serving the needs of the South Bay community through charitable and philanthropic programs such as Back to School Shopping, Holiday Baskets, college scholarships and community service. In 2012-2013, Sandpipers contributed over $665,000 and thousands of community service hours to individuals and local non-profits in need. For more information visit www.sandpipers.org.