Meet Cyndi Strand of Manhattan Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cyndi Strand.

Hi Cyndi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In January of 2016, my husband and I lost our son, Justin to the effects of drug addiction. In April of 2016 I decided to start Blankets of Love South Bay to knit and crochet baby blankets for babies in need in the LA area. Justin had dearly loved his baby blanket and took it with him wherever he lived. I launched BOL-SB in July of 2016. It was a very slow start, with myself and maybe one or two other ladies joining me.

Fast forward to 2026 – We now have over 50 members and we have made over 5,000 blankets! The organization, Good+ Foundation (Los Angeles) is a partner of ours now and we have donated the blankets to them and they make sure they are distributed to needy families.

I have also spoken to the local schools and parent meetings on drug addiction.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I never thought Blankets of Love South Bay would get off the ground. I was alone in the room more than a few times, crocheting and wondering what I was doing there. Slowly others began to join me.

I also spoke at local events when drug addiction was the theme. It is very hard to overcome the death of a child, especially after 12 years of trying to help him get well. Each time I spoke at events, it brought it all up again but I felt it was worth it to hopefully enlighten other parents.

After almost 10 years with Blankets of Love South Bay, we have been recognized publicly by the Manhattan Beach City Council and have had a few articles written about us in the local papers. We have become part of the fabric of the City of Manhattan Beach!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When I worked full time outside of the home, I was the Assistant Personnel Manager for Citizen Watch Company. I decided to stop working and stay home and take care of my two children, Justin and Breanna.

After ‘retiring’ I became very involved in volunteer opportunities in the community. I was part of the following: The Manhattan Beach Police Dept VAT (Victim Assistant Team), a Personnel Commissioner for the school district, an Ambassador for the City of MB, Blue and Gold Officer for the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, and in-home help for Trinity Hospice, I was also active at Grandview Elementary, the Middle School and Mira Costa High School in various ways.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I think my favorite childhood memory is of my dad and me. He and I were peas in a pod and he was my hero. We had a place we liked to go as a family and it was at the top of White Pass in the state of Washington. Every summer my mom, dad and I went there for a week. They had cute cabins and a rushing river behind it that I could hear through the screen windows at night. It was peaceful and invigorating all at once. My favorite trip there was the time when it was just my dad and me and we went to go fishing! He had spent time at home teaching me how to cast with my fishing pole and this was OUR time to go together and catch some trout. He and I stayed in one of the cabins and I was so excited for the next day and the fishing experience with dad….. so excited I couldn’t sleep and I kept him awake chattering most of the night. And we had to be up at dawn for the best fishing! Finally at 3 am he told me “be quiet!” and so I did and then we got about 2 hours sleep. Fishing with my dad on that rushing river at dawn was exhilarating and I felt so special being with dad by myself. It was a wonderful weekend and we did catch lots of fish!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blanketsoflovesouthbay.com
• Facebook: Blankets of Love South Bay