By May Hunter, For Iron County Today
Miracles happen when people willingly serve others. When Charles and Donna Cooley learned that many children have never had a toy, they created their motto: “We may not be able to make a toy for every child in the world who needs one – but we’re going to try!”
It all began in a small workshop at their home. Using patterns, they cut wooden toys and began donating them to friends and family, and later to children’s hospitals.
All the hardwood used to make the toys is donated by cabinet shops. Much of it is scrap wood that otherwise would have been discarded. Manufacturers also donate supplies needed to create the toys. Proceeds from the annual fundraiser, along with donations received throughout the year, help keep the Happy Factory operating. It costs approximately $70,000 each year to run the original Happy Factory.
The only payment volunteers receive is the joy and fulfillment that come from serving others. No one at the Happy Factory is paid; everyone, including the managers and legal staff, volunteers. Volunteers come when they want, do what they want, and leave when they want.
Sometimes, while living in a land of plenty, we forget those who live with very little – especially the children. Charles and Donna Cooley have not forgotten.
The Happy Factory is a nonprofit charitable organization that has shipped small wooden cars and trucks to children around the world. It also makes steam shovels for children with developmental disabilities. These steam shovels can be found in many children’s hospitals. The cars and steam shovels are more than toys; they are tools that can stimulate a child’s mind, encourage creativity, and help the child cope with the world around them.
More than 1.7 million toys have been delivered to children in over 125 countries through schools, hospitals, family shelters, churches, foundations, and humanitarian organizations. Anyone can deliver toys while traveling, and many local individuals have carried them to children in need. For many recipients, a Happy Factory toy is the first toy – and sometimes the first possession – they have ever had.
Anyone can make extraordinary things happen, but first, someone has to take action. Isn’t it amazing what people can accomplish when they work together for a common cause?
Volunteers have created countless cars, trucks, steam shovels, and other handcrafted wooden items, yet no one has ever been paid in dollars. Instead, their reward comes from knowing they are helping children around the world.
Simply stop by the Happy Factory at 895 N. 2175 W. (Happy Factory Lane) in Cedar City and speak with Donna. Visitors can tour the Happy Factory or receive training to make a toy that may become the only toy a child possesses.
The annual Open House Fundraiser was held Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Many special items were available in exchange for a donation. Each item was well-made, unique, and handcrafted, making it a fun gift for someone of any age.
The fundraiser was a tremendous success. Many people stopped by to donate, tour the Happy Factory, and wish Donna Cooley a happy birthday.
People of all ages, young and old, are welcome to tour the Happy Factory or stay and help make toys. Volunteers are always welcome Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
