Believing that every child should have a new toy for Christmas, the Fountain Hills Toymakers, Inc. will distribute about 425 items to local needy youngsters.

Among the toys made from a block of wood are helicopters, dump trucks, tractors, coupes, racers, train engines, dinosaurs and doll cradles, all crafted by 13 members of the toy-making group that incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization last July.

Originally part of the Fountain Hills Woodworking Club, some members decided to branch out and specialize in making toys.

Co-chairs of this year’s project, William Fraser and Ruthe Ingram, said their priority is to provide Christmas toys for pre-school, first, second and third graders at McDowell Mountain Elementary School, Fountain Hills Boys and Girls Club and H’man ’Shaw, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Elementary School.

Representatives of the three schools and organizations will tell the toymakers Dec. 4 how many toys they require for presents. Excess toys will be donated to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Peaks Athletic Club allowed the woodworkers to display their toys in the reception area of the fitness area. Toys can be purchased and the sale will be recorded as a tax-deductible donation. Profits go toward offsetting shop and material costs, said Fraser.

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware in North Phoenix; Home Depot 90th Street store, Scottsdale; Delta Doors and Components in town; and Amazing Stairways in Gilbert donate the lumber.

Sherwin-Williams and Paul’s ACE Hardware of Fountain Hills provide the dowels and finishing materials. The organization purchases at cost all wheels and axels from Timber Woodworking Machinery in Mesa.

The group furnishes plans for the toys, and the toymakers make them in their home woodworking shops.

Sometimes two or three will partner efforts by one individual concentrating on cutting out the wood form, another assembling the wheels, while yet another person adds the finishing head and tail lights.

Before Ingham joined the group as the only female member, only toys designed for boys were made. She introduced doll rocking cradles, pull toys and wood heart-shaped boxes for girls.

New members are welcome. Fraser is director and chairman of the board. Other members are Mike McWethy, Chris Brant, Frank Bye, Dale Carriere, Jim Mansen, Walt Wheeler, Frank Trainer, Stan Beers, Mike Romano, Jerry Brouhard and Dale Humiston.