DuPage nonprofit builds holiday toys for kids

BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTOS COURTESY OF DUPAGE WOODWORKERS

While a student at the University of Illinois in the late 1970s, Western Springs resident George Rodgers was inspired by his dormmate’s classwork.

“I thought, ‘Boy, this looks like fun,’” Rodgers recalled.

That’s when he first picked up woodworking, a hobby that cemented itself as a cornerstone of Rodgers’s life. He started taking courses, working his way up from rudimentary tools and simple projects to now teaching others about this ancient art form.

Every year, the group distributes thousands of toys to local children.

In 1995, Rodgers and a group of veteran woodworkers started a group focused on sharing their love of woodworking with each other and the community: the DuPage Woodworkers. Now, the nonprofit organization has over 200 members — ranging from apprentices to accomplished artisans — who meet monthly to showcase their work and learn new techniques.

“Our motto is ‘learning through sharing,’ and I think we have a lot of experienced members who are willing to share their time and knowledge with other people who are just getting involved in woodworking,” Rodgers, who now serves as president of the group, said.

While advanced technology makes it easier than ever to pick up new skills, Rodgers sees the true appeal of woodworking in its simplicity — a return to the basics.

“I think people miss working with their hands, and that’s an opportunity to work with their hands and an opportunity to actually see something come to fruition,” Rodgers said. “It’s a feel-good feeling.”

The DuPage Woodworkers spend most of the year working towards their largest — and most rewarding — undertaking: They distribute 3,000 hand-made toys to children during the holiday season.

“We work with nonprofit organizations that distribute these toys to their children who are not as well off as a lot of the members’ children or grandchildren would be,” he said.

The group hosts a toy workshop in both the spring and fall to assemble a portion of the toys. Through these events, about 1,000 toys are made. The remaining two-thirds are done by members throughout the year in their homes and personal workshops.

The group has more than 20 plans for various kinds of toys, from crayon holders to doll beds.

“[At the workshops] we assemble doll beds and we put wheels and axles on different toys,” Rodgers said. “In the past, it’s been a lot of cars and trucks, but we’re expanding into different, animal shapes and different things, just to try and make sure that we have toys that are appropriate for all genders.”

From simple structures to elaborate equipment, the process is a labor of love for all who partake. Rodgers said it’s very rewarding to see his peers donate their time and talents, especially to boost kids’ spirits during the holiday season.

“This has been a hobby where there’s a lot of opportunity to give back,” Rodgers said.

Their outreach extends beyond toy-making, and they are proudly active in their communities. From building micro-pantries for food donations to restoring exterior woodwork on a local chapel, members are proud to share their handiwork to help others.

The DuPage Woodworkers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that meets monthly at St. James the Apostle Parish in Glen Ellyn. Anyone is welcome to join, attend a meeting, or donate. For more information, visit dupagewoodworkers.org.