Toys 4 Smiles Field Trip

This month's meeting took us on a field trip to Toys 4 Smiles, a non-profit group here in town devoted to ensuring that every child has a toy in hand, especially during difficult time, such as hospital visits.

Rex explaining the program -- check out the cars and goodies on the table.

Toys4Smiles is a wonderful organization that exists because of the heart Rex Doty has for bringing smiles on children's faces that are having a difficult time or going through some type of personal trauma.  The passion Rex has for this is evident when you hear him explain and trace the history of the organization.

The wall where children who have toured and helped in the shop sign their thoughts and appreciation.

He is able to attract volunteers to help in the shop from every walk of life.  These include everyone from school age groups, scout organizations, and college age students to adults and retired folks just looking for a place to spend time doing something they believe in.

One of many work stations, this is where window and axle holes are drilled

Rex has worked tirelessly in the community to get donations for the charity.  These range from hundreds of board feet of donated lumber to shopping carts needed to move the toys from one station to the next.

Part of the tour

Ingenious branding stamp station

During the tour of the shop, Rex showed us several things that volunteers have made to help streamline the process.  It included this branding station where each toy is branded with the logo of Toys4Smiles.  It insures that children and the community know where the toy came from.

A rocking horse made by a volunteer

To sum the evening up, it was obvious that Rex has put all of his heart and soul into this project.  He explained the hours the shop is open and the need for volunteers.  An unusual aspect for our Sin City Woodworkers meeting is that we had refreshments (thanks for the Oreos!) and Rex pointed out that he requires all volunteers to take a break at the same time at least twice a day.  This is his way of making sure that the people working have a sense of community as they work away creating a portion of joy in the life of a child that needs it.