Added on December 21, 2018  The News Wheel   , , , , , ,
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Dunedin Resident Makes More Than 1,000 Wooden Toy Cars for Needy Children

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Photo: geralt

While many American children wake up to trendy toys on Christmas morning, children in developing countries often get few (if any) presents. One man from Florida wanted to change that. Vincent Falini, who currently resides in Dunedin, decided to leverage his former role of general contractor and his woodworking skills to benefit kids in need.

To this end, he started crafting hand-made toys out of wood to gift to poor children in more than 130 countries. He distributes via shoeboxes, thanks to Palm Harbor United Methodist Church’s participation in the Operation Christmas Child project. This initiative sends thousands of packed shoeboxes filled with hygiene items, toys, and school supplies to international children living in poverty.

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Falini gleans most of the materials from the free leftovers of local cabinet shops, though he buys the axles and wheels for the toys out-of-pocket. Each car has a polyurethane coat, which protects it from water damage and helps extend the car’s shelf life. He can make up to 14 cars in one day, and as of this November, he has constructed more than 1,000 cars.

Falini expressed how rewarding his woodcarving endeavor is. “Those kids from those countries, they have nothing. This is really a big deal for them. They call these machines. They deserve it, I think.” As long as he can find wood to make the cars, he plans on keeping this hobby for years to come. He’s set a personal goal of crafting at least 1,000 toy cars each year.

It’s a refreshing reminder to focus on generosity rather than consumerism this holiday season.

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News Source: WNYW