Four wheels, two eyes and a few helping hands are blessing the lives of millions of children around the world and it all starts at Tiny Tim's Foundation for Kids in West Jordan.
According to the organization’s website, the non-profit now builds and delivers 125,000 toys to children around the globe annually. Their specialty is wooden cars and volunteer Mike Larson said these toys are built to last for years.
Larsen first heard about Tiny Tim's when he saw the late founder Alton Thacker passing out toys at a restaurant.
"He told me about how they make cars for kids all around the world and give them to a lot of kids that just don't have toys," Larsen said.
Now, Larsen volunteers at the organization multiple times a week. But he’s not the only familiar face around the shop. The group has around 80 regular volunteers and welcomes newcomers.
Sandy Lindorff works in the sewing room at Tiny Tim’s. After her first volunteer shift, Lindorff said she knew she would be back for more. She had found her place.
"We were hooked. We have been here one day a week ever since,” Lindorff said. “I tell everybody this is my happy place."
As for the behind the scenes, it takes a whole team of fairy woodworkers to turn a single block of wood into a carriage fit for a little one.
"There's quite a few steps it takes to make one little car," Larsen said.
Volunteers take wood donated to the organization and perform the more than 20 step long process. That includes gluing, planing, tracing, cutting, sanding and drilling the blocks into one of Tiny Tim’s current 5 wooden car styles.
Then it’s off to the pit and painting crew. That’s where the cars really come to life. Some toys are finished in house, while others, like the fully painted cars, are sent elsewhere for completion, Larsen said.
"These painted ones are done by a prison,” Larsen said. “Prison workers paint all these cars."
While some volunteers like Larsen have prior woodwork experience, it is not required. Many come and learn the skills they need on-site. That opens the door for even the tiniest of helpers to lend a hand.
Larsen brings his granddaughter to the shop. She loves running the vacuum and putting wheels on the cars, he said.
"My little granddaughter Afton is seven years old and this is her favorite place to come,” Larsen said. “Whenever she is not in school, Papa has to bring her to Tiny Tim's."
Larsen said he has had the chance to hand deliver Tiny Tim’s toys to children in several countries. All the work is worth it when he sees the big smiles tiny cars bring to children in need.
"It's just fun to see their faces when they get them,” Larsen said. “For you to take something for them, they were just shocked that you would give them anything. They were just thankful."
And this spirit of service affects more than just the kids. It’s what keeps volunteers like Lindorff coming back. It’s also what the late founder realized was so special about this project, Lindorff said.
"Alton used to say that he didn't know who enjoyed this more—the people giving the cars or the people receiving the cars—because all along the process is just fun."
The project also reminds people to be grateful and look outside themselves, Larsen said.
"I think it really helps you appreciate what you have but also just happy to serve other people."
During its almost 30 year operation, Tiny Tim’s has delivered more than 1.7 million toys and they have no intention of slowing down.
People interested in volunteering or donating to Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids can find more information on the organization’s website.