Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/298737
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2013 MACON MAGAZINE I 79 santa's helpers Santa's elves may be busy making toys at the North Pole, but Middle Georgia has its elves, too. They are a group of woodworkers crafting handmade wooden toys for children who might not otherwise receive toys over the holidays. The Middle Georgia Woodworkers Association led by president Phil Hill, has a number of members who enjoy creating original wooden toys that are delivered to children living on Native American reservations in the Dakotas. Entitled "Love in Action," the group of toy- builders includes several members who make hundreds of toys annually for the underprivileged children of the various reservations in the American Northwest. "This group is an important component of the Woodworkers club," Hill said. Member Jack Reynolds, otherwise known as "the toy man," helped instigate the toy-making program 11 years ago when he met a Fort Valley couple who had been delivering truckloads of toys to Native American reservations for a few years. "At the beginning, I was the only woodworkers member who made toys for this particular purpose," Reynolds said. "But since then, we've got a few small "sub-groups" that craft toys." Reynolds and other toy-makers work year-round to build toys for delivery. The woodworkers create solid-wood toys such as double-decker doll beds, crayon boxes, helicopters, tractors, trucks, cars and a variety of playthings for both boys and girls. A Fort Valley couple, who started the toy program, help fill a trailer for transport twice yearly. A trailer full of toys is delivered every summer when a missionary trip goes to the reservations, and another trailer arrives there in early December. In response, letters of appreciation by the dozen arrive from the reservations, along with photos of the children who are receiving the generous gifts. "It's heartbreaking to see the situations these kids live in," said Reynolds. "This is very fulfilling work. "I'm almost 85 years old, and this is my favorite pastime." For many of the Middle Georgia Woodworkers, crafting beautiful items from wood is their No. 1 hobby. Woodworkers working in conjunction with Rebuilding Macon annually construct children's playhouses to be raffled off at Christmas Made in the South, with proceeds benefitting Rebuilding Macon. Other members create wooden pink poodles to be sold during Cherry Blossom season. But for all members, the Middle Georgia Woodworker's Association provides opportunities and encourages its members to practice their woodworking skills safely, according to the organization. Members also are charged to learn new skills and grow as craftsmen. In addition, they are encouraged to cheerfully give of their time and use of their tools, skills and knowledge to benefit less-fortunate individuals. "Giving back," said Hill, "is what we are all about." M The Middle Georgia Woodworkers Association meets monthly and has about 50 members. It is open to everyone. For more information or to join the organization, visit the website: sites.google.com/site/midgawoodworkers. Roger Moeller, the club's "webmaster," places numerous photos, videos and information about the group's projects on the site, especially regarding charitable work. LOCAL WOODWORKERS CRAFT TOYS FOR KIDS IN NEED by lisa pritchard mayfield photography by danny gilleland