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The atmosphere at the Christopher Ebert Marine Corps League headquarters on West Trade Street in Forest City was one of sheer excitement, great anticipation and a heartfelt desire to help children in Rutherford County at Christmas.
As the Marine Corps League members anxiously awaited the arrival of the Rutherford County Woodworkers Club, they talked about the new partnership between them.
The woodworkers arrived with boxes and boxes of handmade wooden toys. There were hobby horses, reign horses, pull toys, puzzles, tic tac toe, airplanes, cars, trucks, wagons and more. The 20 members of the club set a personal goal of making at least 300 toys. They delivered 350 on Tuesday. The 2026 goal is 400 wooden toys for children in Rutherford County.
"The Woodworkers Club really enjoys making toys for children," said Sam Adams, club president. In today's world of modern technology and electronics, it is a delight to make and present old-fashioned toys for children in Rutherford County, Adams said.
"This is good for the woodworkers as we want to help the community and kids. This is a generational transfer of experience" Adams continued. "It's a great tool for our club to learn the basic woodworking skills...and to help the community and children," Adams added.
"You could see the joy on Larry's (Lawing) face," said Adams. Lawing, who is a member of the Marine Corps League and Woodworkers Club, suggested the partnership with Toys for Tots and Woodworkers.
"We've done this for years and this year in January Larry suggested we go to Toys for Tots...he drove the enthusiasm for this. Woodworkers were swapping patterns and working together," Adams said.
It became a time of excitement and renewal for the club.
"This is not only for Toys for Tots, but it has regenerated our woodworking club. I've never seen the guys so happy," said Adams.
The club will begin in March toward the goal of 400 toys for next year.
In the past the toys have been distributed by the Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Center, but partners decided on the change.
"These wooden toys are absolutely phenomenal and we are so grateful for these woodworkers making these toys for the children," said Jon Carlisle, coordinator for Toys for Tots.
There are still plenty of ways Rutherford County can help the children, ages birth to 14 by giving through the Marine Corps League's Toys for Tots. The Toys for Tots cardboard boxes are placed strategically in Rutherford County and age-appropriate toys can be placed in the boxes or can be taken directly to Marine Corps headquarters at 120 West Trade Street, Forest City. All the toys will be collected and delivered to the headquarters.
There is a great need for bicycles and can be taken to the headquarters until December 15.
Toys for Tots have already filled the Christmas requests of 168 families. That number will increase as Christmas gets closer. Registration for assistance can be online or by visiting the headquarters.
Those needing toys for the children in their lives are asked to apply as soon as possible.
If there is an emergency situation, Toys for Tots will take orders even on Christmas Eve.
Other ways to help children
Over at the Salvation Army headquarters at 256 Main Street in Forest City, are the traditional angel trees with the names and Christmas wishes of 150 children. Anyone wishing to purchase a gift for children through the angel tree should come by the headquarters and pick up an angel from the tree by Dec.10. Gifts are asked to be returned to the Center by Dec. 22.
Salvation Army's Norma Devine said all nonprofit groups helping children with Christmas gifts are working together and coordinating the needs.
Maw Maw's Christmas Cheer located at 145 Newton Cole Road in Forest City, is also collecting gifts for children birth to age 17 in Rutherford and other WNC counties.
Director Donna Cobb said they have registered 700 children thus far and will continue receiving assistance from the public through Nov. 27.
"We will be giving gifts, toy items, at least two winter outfits," Donna said. "We need shoes."
The gifts can be received at 145 Newton Cole Road, Forest City Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
Maw-Maws Cheer will have a Christmas Extravaganza Dec. 6 at the Missionary Wesleyan Church at 811 Doggett Road, Forest City that will include a silent auction to continue raising funds for Christmas and beyond.
There will be vendors set up throughout the gym and a great time to support small businesses while helping children in Rutherford County.
Call 828-289-1475 for more information on registration or to help.
