Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Hundreds of holiday baskets, boxes, and bags lined the walls outside the auditorium at George Washington Elementary school in Burbank December 16, 2011

More than 555 Burbank families are enjoying some holiday cheer, thanks  to this year’s very successful Holiday Basket Program sponsored by the Burbank Coordinating Council. The deliveries, by volunteers, began officially on December 17 and were completed a few days ago.

Four hundred of the families were adopted by local Churches, school PTAs, service organizations, studios, businesses, individuals, and city offices ..” according to the Holiday Basket Committee co-chair, Janet Diel.  

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank City Councilman Dave Golonski among the volunteers who come back year after year to help create and deliver holiday baskets to needy families December 16, 2011

The  holiday baskets, boxes, and over-sized bags were stuffed with donated new clothes, games, toys, food, gift cards, movie DVDs and much more.  Each gift container was filled with items that reflected the needs of a specific family.  

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Former newspaper reporter Joyce Rudolph pitched in to help assemble holiday baskets at George Washington Elementary school December 16, 2011

Donations came Warner Bros, Disney, Universal Studios, Ralphs, Vons,  Ikea, and many small businesses, local shops, and individuals.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Volunteers worked meticulously putting together holiday baskets for 155 unadopted families at George Washington Elementary school in Burbank December 16, 2011

The volunteers included city officials, community activists, Girl Scout troops, and local residents who took time out from their own holiday activities to lend a helping hand.  

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The driving force behind the Holiday Basket Program, Janet Diel, fielded cell phone calls at George Washington Elementary school December 16, 2011

Speaking on behalf of the Holiday Basket Committee, Diel said:”It took hundreds/ thousands of people to donate money, gifts, food, and time to make this project a success. We are grateful to all who participated and thank you so much for making a huge difference in so many lives.”