Interested in participating? Contact the Toys for Tots Chairman

The 2007 Toys for Tots campaign was a raging success!

218 toys were hand-crafted by NCWA members and delivered to the U.S. Marines, along with $422 in cash.  Thanks to all who participated!

"DEDICATION" (a Toys for Tots tribute by Lynn Koontz)

Five gray heads sit around a table, coffee cups in hand,
A paper spread before them - planning something grand.

Their combined experience, talents and years
Give assurance a plan WILL emerge - no one need fear.

"Last year's train took too much time," said one
"Let's makes something easier - but still have fun."

Five gray heads talk and plan and plot
Two sketches take shape - they're HOT!

"OK, we've got it" - they see the results of their creative brains
"We'll make easels and wagons - just no more trains."

Materials are gathered - wood, paint and dowels
Brushes, glue, tools, and utility towels

Day by day the sawdust rises high
"hey, that looks great!" they often cry

The machines cut and plane as the projects take shape
Crafted with great skill - they give whatever it takes

What has inspired this dedication and assembling of skills?
What has unified them - subdued their separate wills?

It's kids, of course, that fuel their inspiration and dreams
Toys for Tots - are the beneficiaries, it seems

Handcrafted wooden toys beneath many Christmas Trees
Made by Seasoned Seniors with one goal - a Child to please.

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Mission Statement

Produce wood toys to be given to the Marine Corp. Reserve unit located in Sedro Woolley. They provide these toys to the numerous charity organizations, churches, foster homes and other needy groups within Skagit, Whatcom, and northern Camano/ Island Counties. This area is the territory covered by our members. Since most NCWA members are mothers, fathers and grand parents there is a strong love for kids. Add the pleasure of woodworking, whether alone or with others from NCWA to this equation and you can achieve real personal satisfaction and have a bunch of fun at the same time.

Participation

Every member of NCWA is not only welcome, but urged to actively support this project. A participant can make any toy deemed suitable and safe for a child that he/she wants to make. You can work alone, with a group of your local woodworking friends, or as a team member of a “toys for tots” committee organized group.

Skills/Tools Requirements

No great skills or tools are required unless you choose to work alone; then what you make is what you get. If that is a toy you are proud of and satisfied with you will certainly make a child happy. For those who question their skills and shortage of tools are encouraged to join a t4t committee organized group. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to make toys for kids, but equally important is to aid our fellow members to advance their skills and enjoyment through wood working.

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Toys for Tots Organized Teams

This is a new effort being designed to enable our new; less experienced members improve their woodworking skills by making toys with guidance and support from team members. The teams will meet one Saturday per month throughout the year, probably excluding the three summer months and December. Members will have the freedom to come to any or all of the sessions, but would be encouraged to attend all sessions for your own learning experience.

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Materials

Free wood, maple and alder are available for all “toys for tots” activity. Other supplies are to be your responsibility./p>

Results

The goal is to make as many toys as the toy makers want to produce. A good sample of the toys will be displayed at “Art’s Alive” in November. All the toys will be on display at the December monthly meeting and then given to the marines.

Join Now!:

Help kids, advance your woodworking skills and have fun with other members of NCWA.
Contact Club Member: Glenn Koontz