KOTA Territory NewsWoodworking 'elves' distribute toys to area children

Woodworking 'elves' distribute toys to area children

Santa's elves have outsourced some of their toy crafting to the rapid city area!

A local woodworkers group handed out more than 700 hand–made wooden toys to children at the youth and family services center Monday.

The group of twenty retired carpenters and hobbyists have been making holiday toys for the past 4 years. This year they've made an estimated 1600 toys, all of which will be distributed to social service groups in the area.

President of the group, Bob Buchanan says despite popular toy trends, children still appreciate wooden toys.

"Imagination is probably the big thing. They have to think a little more when they're playing with wooden toys rather than one that makes noises and sings," said Buchanan.

Buchanan says most of the toys they make have wheels. Their most popular models are cars, planes and trains.