Hobby Hut Brings Joy to Local Children
A LABOR OF LOVE: THE STORY BEHIND HOBBY HUT’S 300-PLUS HANDCRAFTED WOODEN TOYS
For nearly 10 years, the hardworking elves at the Hobby Hut, John Knox Village’s volunteer operated woodworking facility, have used their time and talents to bring holiday cheer to children in Lee’s Summit.
The resident volunteers, which include woodworkers, artists, and crafters, created more than 300 wooden toys that were donated to Lee’s Summit Social Services for its 2023 Christmas Program.
WOODWORKING WONDERS: THE DIVERSE CREATIONS OF HOBBY HUT’S DEDICATED TEAM
Hobby Hut elves are not your typical workshop crew; they’re a group of compassionate senior living residents who invest their time and talents throughout the year. Crafting wooden trucks, cars, trains, animals, puzzles, airplanes, doll beds, cradles, rocking horses, and more, their annual donation is a labor of love.
From start to finish, creating the toys is a multi-step process that involves multiple sets of hands. It takes several woodworkers to make the individual parts, which are then assembled into finished toys. Once the toys are built, they are sent to a group of residents for painting. The artists use bright and colorful paint and add their own personal touches to create the one-of-a-kind toys. Finally, another group of resident volunteers sew quilts, bedding and pillows for the doll beds and cradles.
“I truly enjoy painting the toys and knowing that children who may be in need are going to play with them and bring them joy,” said Mary Scheidt, a John Knox Village resident, emphasizing the heartfelt connection between the creators and the recipient.
IMPACTFUL GIVING: LEE’S SUMMIT SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOBBY HUT’S PARTNERSHIP
Megan Salerno of Lee’s Summit Social Services said she loves that the Village residents think of these children and how they are best able to help during this time of year.
“Year after year, they choose to continue on this amazing tradition of providing toys that will boost a child’s imagination and provide the same joy as we hope to with our Christmas Program,” Salerno said. “The children find joy in all the amazing toys the Hobby Hut creates because it sparks their imagination and provides them with a sense of creativity that you can’t always find in toys you can buy from the store.”
Front row, from left, Bev Frank, Nellie Roberts, Charlotte McGregor, Dee Fuelling, Pat Bergman, and Larry Nichols. Back row, from left, Greg Stervinou, Caroline Arnold, George Weeks, Mary Scheidt, Forrest Shull, David Young, Ron Smith, and Jim Smith.
JOHN KNOX VILLAGE RESIDENTS CHERISH THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
As the Hobby Hut team continues to share the magic of their creations, they embody the true spirit of the season — a spirit of giving and community good will. In a world where joy is a precious gift, the Hobby Hut tradition stands as a shining example of how a dedicated group of individuals can make a lasting impact on the lives of local children.
Discover more about the heartwarming initiatives at John Knox Village and the Hobby Hut by exploring our community. Schedule a time to visit John Knox Village to learn more about the vibrant community that values compassion, collaboration, and the joy of giving. Whether you’re interested in becoming a part of our community or simply want to support the community’s endeavors, there’s a place for everyone at John Knox Village.
You’re invited to join us in spreading smiles and building a brighter future for the generations to come. Explore the magic of Hobby Hut and the warmth of the Village. Contact us to learn more or schedule a tour.