Boise Duo Aims to Serve 168 More Families at Free Christmas Garage
Erin and Savannah Leisure will again open their West Boise garage for a self-funded gifting event, relying on community donations of toys and hygiene items.
By Samantha Reed ·
Savannah Leisure and her mother, Erin Leisure, helped 168 children receive gifts and necessities in West Boise during the previous holiday season. The mother and daughter plan to repeat that effort this year through an initiative called Garage of Christmas Cheer. They will convert their two-car garage into a free shopping space for local families.
The program is self-funded and open to families facing financial strain. Erin Leisure, who raised six daughters on a single income, cited past experiences needing assistance as the motivation for the project. "We just really wanted to have a space where people could come and get the things that they want to give their kids," she said. "People want to give their kids good things and we want to be a part of that and we want to support that because we remember what it was like."
Unlike traditional food banks or gift centers that provide pre-packed boxes, this operation allows parents to select specific items for their children. The garage will stock toys for infants through teens, along with clothing, socks, underwear, hygiene products, sensory items, diapers, and wipes. Last year, participants included families dealing with job losses or difficult choices between paying rent and buying presents.
Erin Leisure, a survivor of domestic violence, noted that the experience of helping other survivors was personally meaningful. "I got to tell them that there is life on the other side, that it’s not just this moment, that the tomorrows that come will be better," she said. Her daughter Savannah Leisure emphasized that seeking aid should not feel like a burden. "It’s not an embarrassing thing," Savannah said. "It’s okay to ask for help when you need it."
The family is currently seeking donations to stock the space for the upcoming December event. Residents can contribute new, unopened toys and necessities by dropping them off at Mojo's Donuts at 4622 North Eagle Road in West Boise. Alternatively, donors can purchase items from the organization’s Amazon or Target wish lists or send monetary gifts via Venmo.
The Garage of Christmas Cheer maintains a website and social media pages on Facebook and Instagram with additional details on how to participate. The initiative will operate during the Christmas season, providing a direct link between donors and the children who receive the goods.
