Each basket had an average value of over $1,000 and contained basic household goods, grocery script, clothing, shoe gift certificates, bedding, towels, personal hygiene items, toys and gifts provided by sponsors such as Mattel, TJ Maxx, Shoes that Fit, Carthan, Co, and MISA Los Angeles.

“Our agency partners are so grateful that their clients are able to participate in our annual Holiday Basket program," said Sandpipers’ Philanthropy Vice President Dana Washington. "Every year, our inbox is flooded with heartfelt stories of how the presents and gift certificates they received made their holiday."

Washington said that the program was made possible thanks to the donations of individuals, the  Turner Fund, corporations, Sandpipers Associates, physical donations from local businesses, and the fundraising efforts done year-round by Sandpiper members.

The Holiday Baskets program is the founding program of Sandpipers Philanthropy. Initiated in 1931, it 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.

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. Additionally, each child under 18 years old received $100 worth of items from their holiday wish lists.

Donations can be made for next year's Holiday Baskets program at https://www.sandpipers.org/holiday-baskets. All donations are 100% tax deductible and support Sandpipers’ volunteer organization dedicated to serving the needs of the South Bay community through charitable and philanthropic programs.