‘Tis the season to give back.

What You Need To Know

  • The Triangle Woodworkers Association has contributed to the Toys for Tots annual collection for 31 years

  • Roy Brookhart is the president of the group

  • He said he feels good knowing children have presents they otherwise would not

For 31 years, the Triangle Woodworkers Association has handcrafted collectibles for the Marines Toys for Tots annual collection. Members gather at workshops to make wooden toys by hand.

Some, like Roy Brookhart, made some of theirs inside their own garage.

“We know there’s a bunch of kids out there getting toys that they might not normally have, and we’re able to help them with that,” Brookhart said.

Brookhart has always enjoyed woodworking. He said the passion developed early in life.

“My woodworking part was kind of from a very young age,” he said.

The retiree said the sight and sound of a 2-by-4 piece of wood becoming something more fills his heart with immeasurable joy.

“We enjoy that,” Brookhart said.

Crafting wooden classics for children who would not otherwise receive a present, like little cars and other items, is all the motivation Brookhart needs to keep doing what he’s been doing. 

He estimated he’s had a hand in making between 7,000-8,000 wooden keepsakes for this cause since becoming a member of the TWA nearly 10 years ago.

“I like to make these toys for the kids,” Brookhart said.

Every workshop needs an assistant. Fortunately, Brookhart’s just happens to be his 1 1/2-year-old grandson Dylan.

“He’s old enough now where I don’t have to be watching him every second, and he loves to do that stuff,” Brookhart said.

Brookhart will never meet the children who play with his toys, but that’s OK. He’s happy knowing the children who receive his timeless treasures have something to play with at all.

“We just have a lot of fun doing it and we know we are helping somebody out,” he said.