The
ToyMakers began
in 1982 when Jim McCullagh was advised that his grandchild
didn't have any toys to play with while in All Children's
Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. He realized that
there was a need there and
enlisted the help of his boy-hood friend, Bruce Pahl.
They and their wives started making simple, colorful
wooden toys. These toys were given to All Children's
Hospital, then to local Ronald McDonald Houses, and
other local agencies. The ToyMakers grew by word of mouth and they eventually found
themselves sending toys, at their own expense, to several
other states.
The
ToyMakers tradition continues today. As of June 2006,
we have made and distributed over 200,000 toys. All
are wooden, no metal anywhere, and brightly colored.
We have even made a special toy that has a "handle" for
children with Muscular Dystrophy. We respond
to all calls for support for children in physical or
emotional distress. We are always adding new Friends in
the United States as well as in other countries.
Throughout
the years The ToyMakers have been blessed
with individuals and organizations who have donated
monies and products. When you consider that we go through
20,000 to 24,000 various size wheels, thousands of dowels
for axles, and untold gallons of spray and liquid paints
every year, not to mention repairs to our machines,
you can understand our very deep appreciation of our
Sponsors.
We proudly list them here as our partners in this mission.
The ToyMakers have also been fortunate
to receive recognition for our work with a Good Citizenship
Medal from the Sons of the American Revolution
and as a Runner-up in the Min-Wax Community Craftsman
Awards. We are deeply appreciative for the recognition.
Thank
you for stopping by and taking the time to look through
The ToyMakers web-site to learn about us.
If you wish to support us by donation of funds or products,
or if you know of an agency who cares for children in
need, Contact
Us. If you would like to start your
own chapter of The ToyMakers, Contact
Us for information and plans.
There are so many children out there that we can
help. Our
Mission is to provide brightly painted, simple wooden toys
to children in physical or emotional distress.
Our
Goal is
to start chapters of The ToyMakers across the United
States, supporting Ronald McDonald Houses and nearby agencies
who care for our children. |