Neighbor News
Sandpipers Holiday Baskets
Sandpipers continue an 84 year tradition delivering baskets to South Bay families
December 14, 2015
SANDPIPERS’ HOLIDAY BASKETS PROGRAM-CONTINUING A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY TRADTION
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 and founding program 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.
On Saturday, December 12th, Sandpipers continued this 84 year tradition by distributing basic necessities and gifts to more than 100 families in need in the South Bay. Each “basket” has an average value of over $900 and contains basic household goods, grocery scrip, shoe certificates, toys and gifts for more than 270 children. Sandpipers’ members, Sandpiper Juniors, Amigos and Manhattan Beach Rotarians collectively volunteered their time to gather and wrap the gifts and make the deliveries.
“The Sandpipers Holiday Baskets Program touches the hearts of all who participate,” said Philanthropy Vice President, Natalie Radtke. “They are able to experience firsthand the deep appreciation and joy of our family recipients who want none other than to be safe, healthy and happy. It is tremendously humbling to learn of the adversities of families who are weathering extraordinary hardships in our community and how overwhelmed with joy they are by the smallest generosities. This long-standing tradition would not be possible without our countless donors and volunteers who contribute their time and resources to support this important program.”
About Sandpipers
Sandpipers is a 100% volunteer organization celebrating 84 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 2014-2015, Sandpipers contributed over $444,000 and thousands of community service hours to individuals and local non- profits in need. For more information visit www.sandpipers.org.
