Sixteen years ago Janet Baltzer traded in some garage sale items for a baby bed. She was trying to secure items for the Rome Housing Authority’s daycare.

The guy she traded with threw in a box of stuffed animals for good measure and that simple gesture sparked a series of events that has led to one of the community’s enduring organizations.

This year, Baltzer’s Angel Express is celebrating its 15th anniversary since being incorporated as a non-profit organization. Each of those years has found Baltzer giving toys to needy children in the community during the holidays or collaborating with social service organizations, schools and other agencies for a wide variety of year-round activities.

Angel Express has seen growth and cutbacks as well as a variety of partnerships with other organizations.

For the first two years of its existence, Baltzer ran Angel Express out of her home. Then the Lindale United Methodist Church provided space for the Christmas project in its Christian Life Center from ’95 to ’98.

Realtors Charles Williams and Larry Martin then offered a large space in the former Bon Ton Store at Riverbend Mall for the next four years.

Since 2002, the organization has operated in partnership with the Floyd County School Board which has provided classroom and storage space located on the campus of the Floyd County Education Center.

The scope of the organization grew as well. The “Stuff-A-Stocking” project, which collected stuffed animals and other toys for needy children, was just the beginning.

“We have thrived in spite of the ups and downs of the past 15 years because we have been able to adapt depending on the needs of the community and the resources available,” Baltzer said. “The most important resources that enable us to continue are our dedicated volunteers.”

One volunteer who is as much a part of Angel Express as Baltzer, is Paul Layman. Throughout the years he has created thousands of wooden toys for the children of Rome. His doll beds are sanded, painted and decorated by many of the volunteers from a slew of community groups.

Others make quilts and dolls.

The groups who volunteer their time and energy include Armuchee High School Art Club, Coosa High School Employment Training Program, Floyd Training and Service Center, Junior Service League, New Romans Club, Star House, Westminster Presbyterian Church Women and Westside Homemakers.

Baltzer opens her doors to anyone willing to volunteer. Developmentally challenged adults from the Floyd Training and Service Center volunteer at Angel Express each week. Some are blind, others are deaf. Some don’t speak, and others have severely limited motor skills, but Baltzer finds a task for each of them.

“I want people to realize that we can all give something. Sometimes it’s painting a wooden bed or filling a stocking. But we all have something to give.”

Although the Christmas giveaway is the largest annual project, additional Angel Express programs impact several hundred more children and adults throughout the year. These include such events as the Fiesta for needy Latinos, Headstart Fall Festival and St. Patrick’s parties for Rome City and Floyd County

Angel Express is now preparing for the 2009 Christmas Giveaway. Last year, representatives from 18 local social service organizations selected items which were distributed free of charge to more than 800 of their clients of all ages. Some of these agencies included Rome Shrine Club, Tallatoona Headstart, Bob Richards Youth Detention Center and Floyd County Sheriff’s Department.

Rome residents can help by donating their time as volunteers or by donating money or wish list items which include new or like-new stuffed toys, dolls, puzzles, games, children’s books, sports equipment, gear for teens and tweens, arts and crafts and linens. All gifts are tax deductible. Drop off locations are Christie’s Office Supply, Lieberman Chiropractic Clinic, Winslette Pharmacy and Armuchee Post Office.

This year’s giveaway is Dec. 11 so donations are needed as soon as possible.

“I’ve always said that Angel Express brings joy to those who receive and a sense of fulfillment to those who help,” Baltzer said.

As a way to offset some of the costs of its work, Angel Express will attempt to raise funds at the 15 Anniversary Spaghetti Dinner hosted by Transfiguration Episcopal Church on at the Rome Civic Center. All funds raised will benefit the “Cherub Challenge Fund Drive” The dinner takes place Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person.

For additional information, call Larry Walker at 706-676-1207.

For information about Angel Express or how you or your organization can help, call Janet Baltzer at 706-234-6317.

“I’ve just been overwhelmed by the amount of work we’ve been able to do for the community,” Baltzer said. “We’ve had a lot of help from a lot of people. I hope we can continue to do this for many years to come.”