Sandpipers’ is celebrating 80 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 more than 40 college students from the South Bay per year with scholarships totally more than $160,000 per year.

• Back-To-School Shopping Spree provided new school clothes, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, and joy for 65 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.

• Community Grant Program in June 2011 allocated almost $79,000 to 40 local social service agencies, supporting them in their efforts to respond to client needs throughout the South Bay.

Our collective accomplishments this year are 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.

Laura Lull
Philanthropy Vice President
philanthropyvp@sandpipers.org