By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON
Special to Hays Post
A host of “elves” are needed for the annual Dr. Fred P. Ruda Toy Build Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Center for Applied Technology wood shop at Fort Hays State University.
Once again, the Department of Applied Technology will host community volunteers to assemble approximately 200 wooden toys for children ages 2-6. The toys will go to children served by the Teaming Up for Tots program in Ellis County.
This year’s toy is a monster truck, said Zach Pixler, assistant professor, who is helping to organize the event. Members of an FHSU student organization, Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association, come up with the idea for the toy each year.
“The program is designed to spread holiday cheer to local children who may not otherwise receive Christmas presents,” the department’s website said.
All ages are welcome to volunteer for the toy production, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Jobs at the come-and-go event include sanding, running parts from station to station, putting on wheels, attaching parts, finishing, and, for those who have experience, running some machine operations, the website said.
No sign-up is required; volunteers are encouraged to participate as their schedules allow.