Each basket had an average value of over $1,000 and contained basic household goods, grocery scrip, clothing, shoe gift certificates, bedding, towels, personal hygiene items, toys and gifts provided by sponsors such as L.A. Care.

 

Each family provided a list of details about individual family members. Sandpipers volunteers then gathered at the Torrance-South Bay YMCA to shop for their “adopted” family from items that had been donated and purchased by community and corporate sponsors.

 

Every child under 18 years old also received $100 worth of items from their holiday wish lists.

Sandpipers often participate in the Holiday Baskets Program with their children, offering the opportunity to teach the life lesson of generosity and helping others in the community.

Holiday Baskets Began in 1931

The Holiday Baskets program was founded in 1931 by Sandpipers Philanthropy and has grown considerably over the years. The families assisted by this program are identified by partner social service agencies and have experienced personal traumas or financial crises in the past year.

"Our partner agencies tell us that they are so grateful that we are able to continue with this long-standing tradition," said Sandpipers’ Philanthropy Vice President Gigi O’Malley. "Our ability to provide relief would not be possible without the generosity of our individual donors, the Tom Turner Fund, corporations, and Sandpipers Associates, physical donations from local businesses; and the dedicated fundraising efforts done year-round by Sandpiper members.”

One donor, trial attorney Brian Claypool, donated $5,000 to the Holiday Baskets program and was so impressed with the philanthropic efforts that he has pledged to triple his support for next year.

“We are so appreciative of those who support our programs year after year and help to make them such a success,” said Natalie Sand, Sandpipers’ Assistant to the Philanthropy VP. “This wouldn’t be possible without them."

To donate to next  Holiday Baskets program, visit https://www.sandpipers.org/holiday-baskets. All donations are 100% tax deductible.

Sandpipers Celebrates More than 90 Years

Sandpipers is a 100% volunteer organization celebrating over 90 years of service in the South Bay. Sandpipers 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. 

The Sandpipers have contributed over $1 million and thousands of community service hours to individuals and local non-profits in need. For more information, visit www.sandpipers.org.

(All photos courtesy of Sandpipers.)