SPECIAL DELIVERY

BURBANK -- It was an effort that warmed the hearts -- and stomachs --

of 85 Burbank residents who might otherwise have gone without this

Thanksgiving.

A few dozen local Boy Scouts, their families and city employees fanned

out across Burbank Thursday, volunteering their time to deliver freshly

prepared Thanksgiving meals and a bit of holiday companionship for

seniors and other residents whose conditions prevent them from easily

leaving their homes.

“Some have people who come in to help them but on this particular day

there is no one there,” said Renee Crawford, Burbank’s social services

coordinator.

“It’s important because it gives them a sense that someone cares in

the community.”

The hearty meals -- including turkey, stuffing, gravy, vegetables,

rolls, cranberry juice, pumpkin pie and chocolate cream puffs -- were

prepared by the Beverly Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in

cooperation with the city’s Home Meal Delivery Program. The center has

been helping out for three years with a holiday tradition that dates back

more than a quarter of a century, Crawford said.

As much as they enjoyed the food, the seniors also appreciated the

visit by the Scouts, Crawford said.

“It’s so nice to see the Scouts giving their time,” she said. “They

are all dressed up in their uniforms and very enthusiastic about

helping.”

Thursday marked the third Thanksgiving that Burbank dad Terry Wysocky

and his 14-year-old twins Michael and Steven have taken part in the

delivery program. They and other Scout families have also helped out on

Christmas Day in the past and plan to do so again this year.

While their mother, Linda, stayed home to prepare for guests Thursday,

the Wysocky men delivered six meals at four different stops.

“It’s a great experience giving back to your community,” Michael said.

“They were very appreciative.”

Lending a hand makes the holiday more meaningful, Terry Wysocky said.

“It’s nice. It gives them a better appreciation for those who don’t

have as much.”