A retired couple crafts 1,400 beautiful wooden toys for needy children at Christmas… But then…

Mike, now 72, and his wife Judy joined a woodworking club after retiring from the army after 26 years.

It began as a hobby, but after witnessing the joy that their handcrafted toys brought to local families during the holiday season, they decided to make it their full-time occupation.

Even after seven years, the two people are still producing toys at a rate that would put Santa’s elves to shame in terms of output.

Mike is in charge of toy production, while Judy is in charge of decoration and quality control. Their 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren serve as test subjects and focus group participants.

Mike Sullivan’s family’s passion for carpentry has been passed down through generations. Sullivan was raised in Montana. His father worked in mining.

Because his family did not have much money, the majority of his Christmas presents as a child were handcrafted by his two older brothers, who were both carpenters.

«The majority of the items I received were handmade toys. «They were beautiful toys, and I know how much I adored them; I only hope that kids who get them now will still appreciate them,» he told CNN.

Retired Couple Makes 1,400 Gorgeous Wooden Toys for Kids in Need at  Christmas: 'People need hope'

This year, the pandemic meant that many families did not have the funds to cover non-essential expenses, making the Sullivans’ mission more important than ever.

Mike and Judy were up to the task, as evidenced by their production and distribution of nearly 1,400 toys. Toys included, among other things, animal figures, puzzles, and vehicles.

Despite the fact that COVID-19 required them to maintain a social distance, conceal their identities, and adhere to a strict schedule, the couple persisted.

The Sullivans generously donated the toys they had accumulated over the years to local charitable organizations such as a food pantry, the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, and a local kindergarten class (including postage for items sent out of state as far as Indiana and Texas).

Local man builds wooden toy trucks and tractors | Members |  dailyrecordnews.com

Given that the Sullivans’ out-of-pocket expenses for the previous year were expected to be close to $19,000, they decided to create a GoFundMe page to ensure that they could keep the supply of toys flowing.

(Mike’s goal is to increase production by purchasing a 3-D laser printer, which he hopes to do soon.)

Mike and Judy have stated that they intend to continue manufacturing toys for as long as they are able.

Sullivan told CNN that the two of them «are both in good condition and are able to stay out here six to seven days a week for eight to ten hours.»

«We’re having a great time, and it almost feels like we’re at home hammering things out here in the shop.»

Toy giveaway: Retired couple made 1,400 toys to give away this Christmas |  CNN

Mike is the first to admit that, while they rarely get to see the children open their presents, the fact that they do so knowing that a family’s Christmas will be much happier as a result of their efforts makes it all worthwhile.

«It makes me feel extremely warm on the inside. Judy told KESQ-TV News 3 that she loves it. «I wouldn’t change a thing if I could do it all over again.»

And it is precisely because of this mindset that Christmas is celebrated not just on December 25th, but all 365 days of the year.

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