Welcome to Our Web Site
What kind of organization is The ToyMakers?
The Toymakers, a 501(c)(3) not for profit corporation located in Pasco County, Florida, was started in 1982 when Jim McCullagh’s grandson was a patient in All Children’s’ Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. Jim saw a need for toys for the children who were patients and felt he could meet that need. With the help of his boyhood friend, Bruce Pahl, and their wives, they began making simple wooden toys for the small patients. Word of their generosity spread and they soon expanded, providing toys to Ronald McDonald Houses throughout several states, as well as to other agencies that cared for children in stressful situations.
Today, The Toymakers continue that tradition. Many materials are donated by several organizations; however, other expenses are met from donations. We are most grateful for the support we receive in our mission to help children in need. We contribute simply because we have a special love for these children, those in physical or emotional stress. The toys are not fancy, but bright-colored, just something for the child to hold or play with during times of pain or fear of what may be going on around them. Some toys are specially designed for specific needs, such as larger, easier to handle toys for children with neuromuscular issues.
From the original Toymakers’ group, approximately 238,000 toys have been donated to agencies to the local communities in Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Alachua counties including Ronald McDonald Houses, All Children’s’ Hospital, Shriners’ Hospital in Tampa, Shands Pediatric Clinic, and many non-profit agencies. Additionally, toys have been shipped to Midwest during floods, to Louisiana and Mississippi during the aftermath of hurricanes, to Mexico and the Caribbean with medical and health mission teams, to Iraq and Afghanistan through military contacts. Any time there is a need, toys can be sent to children in need. Since 1982, over 100 inquiries have been made from around the world about setting up ToyMaker groups. There are three ToyMaker groups in Pasco/Pinellas area. Toymaker workshops vary in size and equipment, but all have the common thread of wanting to help bring smiles to children.
Locally, the Toymakers of East Lake, an outreach mission of East Lake UMC, began operation in the third quarter of 2007 with 6 volunteers. Currently, the group includes over 40 members operating 4 days each week in the Annex building purchased by ELUMC in 2007. Recently, the toy ministry has expanded to include soft, hand-made dolls and stuffed bears which are included with each delivery. Additionally, bicycles are being rebuilt and recycled in the Toy shop of this local chapter. Deliveries are made quarterly to agencies such as Children’s Therapy Center of East Lake, The Haven of RCS, Operation PAR, Fisher House at Bay Pines VA Hospital in Tampa, Cuscaden Child Care Center, Tampa, Pasco-Hernando Early Learning Coalition, Spring Hill, FL, Ronald McDonald House, Gainesville, Tarpon Woods Fire and Rescue Unit, Rosa Valdez Child Care Center, Tampa, and Kid’s Charity of Tampa Bay.
It is a privilege to be able to offer some form of comfort to these children and their families in stressful times.
Please help us continue bringing smiles to the sick and needy children in the Tampa Bay area!