Toys given away:
10,200
Trees planted in our name:
35
Arbor Day Foundation plants a tree for every $100 we spend at Woodpecker Crafts where we purchase axles.
Toys made:
10,300
Mary Lee Bensman
Mission statement
Choose Life Toymakers is a nonprofit endeavor to make and give away wooden toys with wheels to kids who need a smile.
The seed for this toy project was planted years ago when a friend of mine told me that her dad, Bill, made toys in Las Vegas. He was a volunteer for a non-profit group that gave toys to kids.
I thought, “That sounds like a great idea! I would like to do that sometime.”
Two weeks after I lost my job of 20 years due to the pandemic I remembered this. I already had a woodworking shop, tools, wood and now I had time.
Bill is guiding me through the process of making and distributing free toys with wheels for kids who could use a smile. He helps put the wheels on and does the final oiling with mineral oil.
​
When I show people the toys they ask,
“How much are you selling them for?”
I'm not. They are free!
​