Woodworkers Craft Toys For Kids Countywide

It may not be the North Pole, but the Severna Park garage of Andy Borland is transformed into a magical place each year as members of the Annapolis Woodworkers Guild create about 3,000 toys as gifts for children. The tradition started in 2013.

Borland said his group uses about 80 templates to create a variety of toys for boys and girls.

“We make cars, buses, boats, helicopters, airplanes, tractors — all kinds of things,” Borland said. “We make pickup trucks because some kids in South County might want trucks and tractors instead of fancy cars and limos.”

For girls, the group makes doll beds that are furnished with miniature quilts made by the Annapolis Quilt Guild.

Toys get distributed to Anne Arundel County churches and to holiday-themed events, such as craft bazaars.

The woodworkers, or “elves,” who make the toys are Annapolis Woodworkers Guild President Ken Davis, Rob Harrell, Paul Dodson, Jim Cowan, Duncan Adams, Bill Carbin, Phil Carroll, founder Don Ames, and Borland.

“It’s a good feeling that we can do this for the kids,” Borland said, before giving credit to his fellow woodworkers. “These guys make me look good.”