Hobby Crafters Foundation, a Dallas-based nonprofit that has been creating and distributing hand-crafted wooden toys to local children in need since 1944, celebrated its relocation to Garland at 1910 Platinum Street with a grand opening event Saturday, Nov. 7.
Prior to relocating, Hobby Crafters operated in a 4,800 square foot building with no running water, air conditioning or heat. The new facility was donated by the Dorothy and Paul Mason Foundation. Paul Mason was a longtime volunteer with Hobby Crafters and other charities focused on toys for children. The 9,000 square foot building was purchased and has been renovated to suit the needs of the volunteers, better known as “elves” due to their passion for creating toys by hand for children who need them.
During the grand opening celebration, guests enjoyed a tour of the facility where the toys are made and got to preview the toys that will be distributed this Christmas season.
“We are more than excited to share our appreciation for our new facility with all who made it possible,” said Jerry Reichert, Head Hobby Crafters Elf. “We are so thankful for our committed volunteers and companies who continuously donate supplies so we can create toys for children year after year.”
Reichert is one of the many elves that contributes his time to creating and distributing toys through missions and churches for Christmas.
Mrs. Baird’s, Sherwi
n Williams and Coca Cola are just a few companies that regularly donate supplies and materials to help keep the Hobby Crafters Foundation up and running.
Hobby Crafters is always looking for volunteers who have woodwork experience, enjoy tinkering with toys and enjoy making Christmas a little brighter for children.
To learn more about Hobby Crafters, including donation and volunteer information, please contact Jerry Reichert at (214) 957-6482 or email info@hobbycrafters.org.
About Hobby Crafters Foundation: Founded by Dr. Arch McNeill in 1944, the Hobby Crafters idea came from one of his patients who would feed anyone who came by hungry. He offered to craft some toys for his patient to give out during Christmas for the children who stopped by. Friends and patients loved the idea and began volunteering and worked tirelessly to provide the disadvantaged children with wooden toys that following year.
To this day, wooden toys are still created by volunteers and distributed through missions and churches to less fortunate children in the greater Dallas area. For more information about the foundation and volunteering, contact Jerry Reichert at 214.957.6482 or email to info@hobbycrafters.org.