SUN CITY – The Sun City Woodchucks may not look like the elves from our dreams, but they are unquestionably Santa’s helpers this holiday season. For the 6th year, the members of the Woodchucks have presented lovingly handcrafted toys to the children of Grafton Township Food Pantry clients.
Every holiday season, the Woodchucks woodworking club of Sun City hand makes wooden toys for underprivileged children in the local area. (Photos Provided By Harry Dalof)
âWe make 250 to 300 toys a year,â said Al La Pelusa, the Community Projects Director of the Sun City Woodchucks of N.15.
âThe club members make a genuine effort to find out what type of toys are popular with our clientsâ children, and they also have continued to fill the growing demand for toys,â said Harriet Ford, Food Pantry Board Member for the past five years.
The style of toys this year are puzzles, helicopters, trains, planes, spinning tops, boats, and everyoneâs favorite wobbly duck.
âThat duck seems to go every year like hot cakes…â said La Pelusa.
Ford said, “These toys add joy to the holidays for our clients. Through the generosity of the community, especially Sun City residents, local businesses and churches, we are able to provide turkey dinners and other food items to help celebrate the holidays. When possible, we provide gift cards for families so they can shop for personal items or more food, but a unique toy made just for that child is truly a special gift that cannot be purchased at any store. These toys bring such big smiles to the faces of the children and their parents. The craftsmanship shows the effort and love that has gone into each toy.”
The time and dedication that the Woodchucks pour into these toys encapsulates the joy and good will towards men that this season is all about. âWe know the children are going to have a smile on their faces,â said La Pelusa.
Ford feels Sun City residents are some of the most loving and giving folks around.
âWe wouldnât survive without Sun City and the churches in the area,â said Ford.
