Local volunteer groups hold drive-thru ’shopping spree’ in Santa Rosa for underserved families

Members of local Active 20-30 volunteer groups couldn’t hold their annual back-to-school ’shopping spree’ at the Coddingtown Mall in Santa Rosa this year because of the coronavirus.

So like many other aspects of public life this summer, the event moved outside.

Throughout Saturday morning and afternoon, around 180 local underserved families drove to an office complex parking lot near the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport to pick up new clothes and backpacks purchased by over 130 volunteer shoppers.

Recipients stayed in their cars, and volunteers’ smiles were hidden behind face masks. But the event’s impact wasn’t lessened, especially for the low-income families who’ve lost work during the pandemic.

Continue Reading on Press Democrat