Hot Springs Village Woodworkers Spread Joy with Annual Toy Giveaway ⋆ Hot Springs Village Gazette

By Doyle Baker, HSV Board Member

On November 13, 2024, the Hot Springs Village Woodworkers hosted their annual toy giveaway at the Ponce de Leon Center, distributing over 650 handcrafted toys to children through various local agencies.

The club’s members work year-round to create an array of toys, including trucks, cars, jewelry boxes, cribs, dolls, and games for older teens. Weekly gatherings at local restaurants and members’ homes foster camaraderie as they share meals and collaborate on toy-making. With several specialized groups dedicated to crafting different types of toys, their collective effort culminates in this heartwarming tradition.

Over 60 people attended this year’s event, which highlighted the group’s mission of bringing smiles to children in need. Representatives from the following agencies received toys to distribute:

Mt. Pine Head Start – Schelly Graves
Saline/Perry County Foster Parents Association – Tiffany Kennedy
Jessieville Head Start – Amanda Sarver
Potter’s Clay – Patience Brakebill
Hot Springs Head Start – Donna Rogers, Greg Craig, Deborah Harp, Jazmyne Hinkins
CASA – Suzanne Herron
Sheriff’s Youth Ranches ARK – Matt Cleveland
Oaklawn ABC Pre-K – Raven Nelson, Patsy McWhorter
Mt. Pine CBI – Lesa Blees, Jessica Johnson
Saline Safe Haven – Victoria Cornish
Lake Hamilton Pre-K – Tammy Boyette

In addition to their charitable work, the Woodworkers Club meets monthly on the second Wednesday in the Ouachita Room at the Ponce de Leon Center. The meetings often include picnics, dinners, and woodworking programs celebrating their shared passion for craftsmanship.

Their dedication ensures a brighter holiday season for countless children, reinforcing the impact of creativity and community spirit in Hot Springs Village.

For more information about the Hot Springs Village Woodworkers, click here to visit their website.