Basket Village USA
First published in the November 13 print issue of Chief of Burbank.
We have now entered the season when the spirit of giving, gratitude and gratitude is perhaps stronger than at any other time of the year.
In honor of this special moment, the Burbank Coordinating Council recently recognized two women – Janet Diel and Doris Palmer – for their long-standing commitment to caring for others at a fundraising gala this Saturday evening in the UMe Federal Credit Union.
Diel, who has been a member of the organization for nearly three decades, has been president of the group longer than anyone in its 88-year history and has led the Holiday Basket program, and resigned from her presidential role on last year. She handed over the reins to Mary Anne Been, who chaired and hosted last week’s event. Diel has been praised both by Been and local dignitaries for her years of service to the all-volunteer organization.
“As we update our mission and bylaws, look to the future, and become more involved in the community as a whole to serve our families and youth in need, we are building on the solid foundation.” built by Janet. Diel, â€Been said.
State Senator Anthony Portantino paid tribute to Janet Diel for her long-standing dedication to the BCC and local families in need.
“Janet’s kindness, love and care for this community has been evident in everything she has done to make Burbank a better place.”
Honored by many elected officials, State Senator Anthony Portantino described Diel as “one of those special human beings who bring his community together.”
Clearly moved by the outpouring of love, Diel remained silent in front of the assembly for a moment as she recovered herself.
“Looking around this room, I see an ocean of friends,†Diel said. “You are not just friends, you are all part of my extended family, and I am touched by your presence here tonight.”
Diel thanked her late husband Hank and her children for the help and support they have given her over the years to be able to do what she has been doing.
“For me and our family, it was never about recognition,†she said, dabbing her eyes. “It was always about making Burbank a better place for everyone, and tonight, as I see so many of you who know that those who give get a lot more than those who receive, I can only say that you have my gratitude and my thanks. . “
Palmer, a long-time BCC board member, was also praised for her dedicated service to the organization which, since the early 1930s, has been helping low-income local families in need and, since 1946, makes the holidays brighter for those with children who may otherwise not have any holiday meals or gifts.
Mayor Bob Frutos and his wife Laura arrive at the UMe Federal Credit Union to support the Burbank Coordinating Council.
Saturday’s event brought together many notables including Mayor Bob Frutos, Deputy Mayor Jess Talamanes, council members Sharon Springer, Nick Schultz and Konstantine Anthony, former city councilor Tim Murphy and committee member Burbank Police Station Romik Hacobian.
Like every year, the Coordinating Council is now calling for donations and volunteers to help put together the gift baskets, which Been says will help nearly 500 families this year.
If you are interested in getting involved, the organization is looking for donations of gift certificates, food items, unwrapped toys, and personally requested items that are provided to those sponsoring a specific family.
The council is also in need of volunteers to help deliver baskets and will organize a food drive for the program on November 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at South Hills Church, 222 South Victory Blvd.
For more information on how to get involved or sponsor a family, email BCC.HolidayBaskets@Gmail.com, call (818) 679-2217 or visit burbankcc.org.
DAVID LAURELL can be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.
