we build toys
Each year, members of the San Fernando Valley Woodworkers come together to design and build handmade toys for children in need. These toys are given as gifts during the holiday season, bringing joy to young recipients across our community.
We donate up to 1,200 handmade wooden toys annually to approximately 16 charitable organizations throughout the San Fernando Valley. These organizations distribute the toys to families they serve, helping make the holidays a little brighter.
Our year-long effort culminates in October, when we gather for a weekend Toy Build to assemble and finish the toys together. While we take great pride in the craftsmanship, it’s the smiles and stories from the children who receive them that bring us the greatest joy.
partner charities
Alexandria House | Catholic Charities | Foster Children's Resource Center | Jewish Family Services | Hope Fellowship | Westwood Transitional Village | Lemay Early Education Center | Our Saviour Center (Doris Dan Kids Campus) | Penny Lane Centers (North Hollywood) | Safe Passage Lives (Van Nuys) | Granada Hills Women's Club | Chase Child Life Program | Arleta First Assembly | Stuart House (UCLA Medical)
We feel exceptionally grateful that the SFV Woodworkers have made such a wonderful commitment to our program. It’s been many years that we’ve been the fortunate recipients of your talented crew, and we’re deeply appreciative.
Thanks to all the Guild Members for the fantastic treasure boxes and mirrors! Our kids love these items and we were so excited to receive them this year!
We so appreciate all of you and the joy you bring to our children.
Jim Baldridge
President, 2024/2025toy build 2025
This past weekend, October 18 and 19, was the San Fernando Valley Woodworkers annual toy build for charity. I cannot thank enough the valued participation by our members at large and the Toy Committee members! On Saturday and Sunday we had no less than 20 members, each day, on site gluing, nailing, sanding, wrapping and sorting the 900 plus toys. A great time was had by all and the satisfaction of having participated. Thanks to the hard work there will be many children, at 13 charities, that will receive a gift this holiday season who might not have otherwise.
A special shout out goes to Jonathan Nail, our new Toy Committee Chair, and Tara Wyatt, our new Distribution Chair, for their diligence in the coordination and distribution of the toys. And, kudos to those members who volunteered to deliver the toys to the designated charities across the Los Angeles region.
