Rohnert Park Toy Drive in Full Swing

Angie Watkins helps run Expressway Self Storage, the storage unit facility in Rohnert Park, around the corner from Black Bear Diner and Cal Skate. But for a few weeks out of the year, during the holiday season, Watkins transforms 10 storage units into a temporary Santa's workshop.

Watkins and her team of volunteers set up displays filled with gifts. Shelves are stacked with toys and school supplies, hats, mittens — even toothbrushes and backpacks. Volunteers wrap empty shoeboxes in wrapping paper and fill them with gifts. Next, the trimmings. A quick tie of a ribbon and the gift is ready to go.

The program, called Love in a Shoebox, delivers the gifts to homeless and foster children throughout Sonoma County for the holiday season. 

Love in a Shoebox regularly gives to charities such as Redwood Gospel Mission, a homeless shelter in Sonoma County, the YMCA and The Living Room, a homeless outreach program for women and children in Sonoma County.

Last year the charity donated 1,100 gifts during the holidays.

"This is our fifth Christmas," Watkins said. "We give fun things like coloring books, but we also give necessities like brushes and toothpaste."

Love in a Shoebox is using proceeds raised at the Baby Rib Challenge fundraiser that took place at Sonoma Mountain Village on Sept. 19. The charity raised about $8,000.

"We donate the space and put together gifts, to make sure kids who normally wouldn't have a Christmas at least get one gift," Watkins said.

"We come out and give our time because Expressway Storage donates storage space for my charity, Relay For Life," said Alice Bates, event chair for the Rohnert Park-Cotati Relay for Life, a charity that raises money to for cancer research.

"This is the right thing to do," said Richard Rackerby, a volunteer from the Rohnert Park-Cotati Rotary Club — one of the most active local volunteer groups.

Love in a Shoebox is a 501(c)3 that was founded four years ago by Sue Piland. To make a donation, or to request help, please call 707-588-8878, or go to Expressway Self Storage in Rohnert Park at 6001 Commerce Boulevard.