John Little

I am retired but have been doing woodworking as a hobby for over 20 years. Since I retired I have had more time to spend at my hobby and have been much more productive and have likewise raised my skill level. I have been involved in starting a Toymaker group as an outreach ministry with our church. In the 5 years we have been going we have a wonderful workshop and about 40 volunteers who work 1 to 4 days a week producing simple brightly painted toys for children in hospitals, homeless shelters, battered womens' shelters and other places where children are in distress. We produce 4 to 5 thousand toys a year. Our wood is donated hardwood cutoffs from a local mill shop, our paint is donated by Sherwin Williams and the glue is donated by Titebond. We use no metal parts and no part smaller than 1-1/4" to meet Consumer Product Safety Council standards. When not making toys I love to make boxes and furniture for family, friends and our church.

-- John Little, ToyMakers of East Lake