Philanthropy

Sandpipers is celebrating 78 years of philanthropic outreach to those most in need in our community.  Over the years, Sandpipers has touched the lives of thousands of individuals, children and families through our programs.  As our programs continue to increase in size, the number of people we support and dollars we distribute are truly staggering.  Below are some highlights of the “heart” of our organization:

• Scholarship Program supports 11 new local high school graduates and 28 continuing      students with college scholarships totaling $150,000.

• Back-To-School Shopping Spree provided new school clothes, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, and joy for 60 needy children suffering from domestic violence, living in shelters, or struggling with their families to overcome a financial crisis.

• Holiday Basket Program provided 105 families with Ralph’s grocery gift certificates, basic household necessity items, first-aid kits, sleeping bags, shoe certificates and gifts for 300 children.  What a joyful tradition!

• School Nurse Program, inspired by our wonderful Associates, supplies 10 local school districts with PayLess Shoe certificates and warm sweatshirts.  In all, 200 children will receive new shoes and 300 children will keep warm this winter with new sweatshirts!

• General Casework Fund provided hope and immediate assistance paying for food, rent, clothes, etc. to individuals and families suffering through a financial crisis

• Helping Hands Collections provides school supplies to underprivileged children, bunnies to Pediatric Therapy Network for their Easter party, twin sheets to Serenity House, children’s books and videos to Switzer Center, art supplies for seniors at Sage House, and countless bags of toiletries to Harbor Interfaith.

• Community Grant Program in June 2008, allocated more than $91,000 to over 35 local social service agencies supporting them in their efforts to respond to client needs throughout the South Bay. Click here to apply for a 2010 community grant.

Our collective accomplishments this year are truly phenomenal and reach far beyond monetary support.  We truly make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need and, through helping them, receive far more than we ever give. Thank you to each and every one of you, for your endless generosity of time, compassion and dedication.

Allyn Leoff

Philanthropy VP

philanthropyvp@sandpipers.org