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Giving Kids
Safe Toys
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‘Tis the time of year for toys – and with all the safety recalls this year, people are asking tough questions about just where toys are made. Kim Riemland introduces us to some “elves” who are hard at work making a bright and safe Christmas for kids in their community. |
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SCRIPT:
(Locator: Puyallup, Washington)
It’s not the North Pole, but this workshop south of Seattle is buzzing
to finish toys in time for Christmas.
These men from United Methodist Church of Puyallup have turned a hobby
they enjoy into Christmas joy for children.
Ken Davis/Woodworker: “When the men meet for breakfast, I stood up and
said ‘We men need a mission,’ and I said, ‘How many wood workers do we
have here?’ About 10 guys raised their hand and I said, ‘How would you
guys like the idea of us making toys for underprivileged children?’”
They haven’t counted, but figure they’ve made a few hundred wooden toys
since the ministry began three years ago.
They’re all made by hand – with no rough edges, no dangerous finishes,
and no recalls.
Earl Mikkelson/Woodworker: “No, we’ve never had a recall on any of our
toys. Ha ha.”
By donating toys to children who need them, these men know they’re
making a difference – but they get to have fun, too!
Earl Mikkelson/Woodworker: “Making sawdust is the main thing I enjoy.
But just creating things, taking a pattern or an idea, picture, trying
to scale it up to what I want it to look like.”
A toy chest at the church holds the fruits of this year’s labor – trains
and trucks, doll cradles with quilts, handmade by a woman at the church
– all soon to be under the trees and in the hands of children who might
otherwise go without this Christmas.
TAG:
The toys are donated to a Tacoma, Washington agency that helps immigrants. The ministry can always use good quality donated hardwood.
If you’d like more information, visit
www.puyallupumc.org or call the church at 253-845-0547.