Blankets of Love South Bay, a baby blanket making group founded in Manhattan Beach, celebrated a major milestone this week.

At a gathering at the Joslyn Center on Thursday, the organization celebrated the creation of the 5,000th blanket. In attendance were Manhattan Beach council members Steve Charelian, Joe Franklin, David Lesser and Mayor Amy Howorth. Joining them were Kathleen Harrigan and Anna Ranguindin of Good+Foundation.

Blankets of Love South Bay knits and crochets baby blankets for families in need. The blankets are donated to Good+Foundation Los Angeles, which distributes them into the hands of grateful families. 

Blankets of Love South Bay was founded in July of 2016 by Cyndi Strand of Manhattan Beach as a way to memorialize her son, Justin, who passed away in January of 2016 from the effects of drug addiction. Strand wanted to raise awareness of the problem as well as remember Justin and provide a meaningful outreach to the LA community.

After nine years, Blankets of Love South Bay has become a true community of women who share a deep connection. Meeting twice at week at Joslyn Center in Manhattan Beach (Monday and Thursday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.) the group of some 20 or more women share a unique camaraderie that has created many new friendships. Each person brings her own supplies to create the blankets; and each blanket is unique.