Making wooden toys

[Jim Finn]

I spend a lot of  time in my shop every day and can easily make much more than I can sell, so I make toys that our local woodworkers club donates to local children's hospital, Ronald McDonald house, and The Salvation Army.  Yesterday  I finished making 11 small (8" long) pickup trucks for this.  I made about 900 of these and other toys last year for this effort.  I kept one  to use as a business card display for my sales.  Made of plywood using a table saw and band saw, drill press and stationary  6" belt sander.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I met a guy at a craft show last Sat. and have to say he was in his early 80's. He was selling wood toys. He said he has been doing this for over 30 years. Simple cars and trucks and toys for kids that are meant to be played with. He was selling rather cheap but he too said he did it as a hobby to pass time. I remember a few people here and you are one that do the same. It is cool. A simple wood toy brings joy. 

[meflick]

Thank you Jim for sharing your talents by making and donating so many toys for kids. I am sure those you have donated have all been loved. 900 just last year alone, how assume and amazing. I love your business card holder Great idea. Thanks for showing.

[amazingkevin]

The gift of giving warms the heart for both the giver and the reciever  and puts a smile on God's face. Good job!!!

[Rockytime]

Cool looking truck and a noble thing you are doing.

[Jim Finn]

Today, we made our December delivery of toys to our local children's hospital, Ronald McDonald House, and The Salvation Army of 1,912 toys. Including 27 of these trains.That makes a total of 4,112 for 2019. About a thousand less than our best years but not too shabby. (Two of our main club contributors to this endeavor died last year). Last week we also gave away, one at a time, 450 toys to children at a local children's Christmas event sponsored by Lubbock Christian University so the total is actually,4,562. These toys are well received and looked forward to, each year, by the recipients.

[Jim McDonald]

Jim, that is absolutely a great service to the community. Please convey my admiration to the group.

[meflick]

First, congratulations to your group for all the hard work, time and dedication that you provide crafting and finishing these toys for children who have so little. I know they love receiving and you all love doing snd giving, they are well done crafted toys that will be well loved, Second, I am sorry for the loss of your two long time club members. I know they are missed by you, your club and those who received their hand crafted toys. They would still be pleased that your group produced in excess of 4500 toys this year. Thank you to all your group does.

[John B]

Wow Jim, you and your group do a fantastic job.
Sadly the PC crowd have put the kibosh on any donations of toys that for kiddies in hospitals that are not new, in original packaging and meet other standards. So home made stuff is out here in Oz.
The Salvation Army does accept them for their Christmas Toy Drive.