Wood works for Christmas joy

By Paul Pickering
AFTER almost a decade of making toys for the Knox Christmas Appeal, the Knox and District Woodworkers Club could almost claim its Ferntree Gully headquarters as a regional branch of Santa’s workshop.
The club delivered a sack-full of hand-made toys to Knox City Council earlier this month, continuing its annual tribute to the generosity of the Christmas spirit.
Each year, the club’s membership – now at about 170 people – is asked to make a toy to be donated to a Knox family in financial crisis.
But as club president Paddy McCann explained last week, many of the members are now producing workshops full of toys.
Some of the more popular toys include wooden tricycles, trucks, doll cribs and miniature blackboards.
Receiving the bounty of gifts, Knox mayor Jim Penna was keen to recognise the work of the merry band of pseudo-elves.
“The toys are sure to put smiles on the faces of so many children for Christmas,” he said.
“We’ve seen how the toys have been carefully produced with rounded edges, no small pieces that could easily break off and no dangerous paints or batteries.
“I’m also impressed that the toys have been designed to allow children to use their imagination.”
The toys will be delivered to local families in need from 17-21 December, along with gifts donated by the community at Knox Christmas Appeal collection points throughout the municipality – including Knox Civic Centre and Knox Family Chiropractic Centre at 6B 426 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South.
Donations can be made from Monday 3 December, with more information available by calling Gaynor at Knox City Council on 9298 8342.