What began as a small idea to spread a little holiday cheer has grown into a cherished neighborhood tradition thanks to Folsom residents P.J. and Ryane Petersen. For five years now, the couple has made it their mission to brighten the season for children and families in need, transforming their festive home display into a community-powered toy drive that grows larger each December.
The tradition began in 2020, when the Petersens decided to pair their love of Christmas decorating with a way to give back. “We had the idea of incorporating our Christmas light display with a toy drive to give back to the local community,” P.J. said. “We thought this would be a great way to really get into the Christmas spirit even more.”
Their corner-lot home near Kemp Park drew steady holiday traffic, making it a natural spot to encourage donations. Wanting to ensure the toys stayed local, the couple connected with the Sutter Health Child Life Program in Sacramento. The partnership was immediate and lasting. “We got in contact with the Sutter Health Child Life Program, and they were happy to have us host a drive on their behalf,” P.J. said. “The relationship with them has been great since we started.”
Each year the drive has grown, boosted by generous neighbors and expanding business partnerships. In 2023, Target stepped in, with the Folsom and Placerville stores donating gift cards that allowed the couple to purchase additional toys. The Birdcage location donated more than $500 in items. “My wife and I went on a couple of Target shopping adventures to spend the money,” P.J. said.
The support continued in 2024, and this year the El Dorado Hills Target granted the couple a $500 shopping spree, which they recently completed.
Several local businesses and community members have also helped the toy drive flourish. Miss Jenny’s Sprout Academy has delivered toys every Giving Tuesday since 2022, brought by the school’s enthusiastic young students. CycleLife El Dorado Hills became an official drop-off location when it opened in 2024, and King’s Meat in Placerville has supported the effort for multiple years. Friends of Folsom’s Jeff Garcia and Sarah Woods are also regular contributors, helping ensure the Petersen drive remains well-stocked for local children.
In 2025, new partners have joined the cause. Alan and Ann Smith, whose Rockford Circle Halloween display went viral earlier this year, will host a drop location tied to their Christmas decorations, which may outdo even their Halloween show. Longtime Folsom resident Bryan Greenwalt has also arranged for the annual Santa Run to stop at his home at 139 Thorndike Circle this Monday (Dec. 8) to pick up donated todays for the Petersen’s effort, giving neighbors another festive opportunity to donate.
The Petersens will continue collecting toys through Dec. 20 before making their annual delivery to the Sutter Health Child Life Program — a moment P.J. looks forward to every year. “We happily drop them off with the gracious Sutter Health Child Life Program staff annually,” P.J. said. “Each year our toy drive has grown, and the support from the local community has been awesome.”
When he’s not planning the holiday giving effort he and his wife pour their hearts into, many in the community know P.J. Petersen as the voice of the Folsom Bulldogs, calling the action from behind the microphone at Prairie City Stadium during home football games. Others know him from behind the lens — photographing families, children, weddings, and more for his business, P.J. Petersen Photography, where he is assisted by Ryane. He is also a frequent contributor to Folsom Times, capturing football games and other community happenings when time allows.
Donations for the toy drive can be dropped off at 458 S. Lexington Drive in Folsom through Dec. 20.
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