Photo: FLLewis / Media City G — Burbank Coordinating Council accepts donations of gifts and check for $3,249 from Bob Hope Airport Holiday Charity Committee in Burbank December 1, 2014 (l-r) Janet Diel, president Burbank Coordinating Council, Sherri Himelstein, Lucy Burghdorf, Rachael Warecki
Preparations are in full swing for the annual Holiday Baskets program, which provides gifts for low-income families with children in Burbank schools. The program got a huge boost from the Bob Hope Airport Holiday Charity Committee at the Burbank Coordinating Council December first meeting last Monday. Several members of the committee, Sherri Himelstein, Lucy Burghdorf, and Rachael Warecki, showed up to donate gifts and a check for $3, 249.
Burbank Coordinating Council is continuing a tradition that has been going strong for 60 years. The council partners with organizations, churches, and members of the local community to supply Holiday Baskets, stuffed with toys, food, and gifts, for the less fortunate. It’s one way to share the spirit of giving during the holiday season. (Media City Groove is a member of the council and a supporter of this program).
Former Burbank councilman and mayor, Dave Golonski, gave an update on the program at the Coordinating Council meeting. Golonski says they have applications from 478 families so far — but predicts that number will be well over 500 by the time delivery date rolls around on Saturday, December 13. It’s a monumental task and more donations and volunteers are needed.
There’s a food drive coming up this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at more than 10 local grocery and retails stores. For information on how you can help with this event and others relating to the Holiday Baskets Program, check out this letter by council president, Janet Diel, on the Burbank Leader or call (818) 238-7647 or email ccholidaybaskets@aol.com.
