Scheffel Memorial Toy Project

Welcome to the R. J. Scheffel Memorial Toy Project, a truly heartwarming and impactful non-profit organization located in Lansing, Michigan. While some might not know its physical location, as one review states, "Don't even know where it is but must drive past it a lot," it's certainly a place making a significant difference in the lives of countless children across the state. This project is not a retail store in the traditional sense, but rather, as another review succinctly puts it, "a factory for charity toys." It is a dedicated workshop where a remarkable group of volunteers, often affectionately called "Santa's Elves," handcraft beautiful wooden toys, games, and memory boxes. These lovingly made items are then provided, entirely free of charge, to children who are disadvantaged, homeless, needy, or in crisis situations throughout Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties, and beyond. This article aims to shed light on the incredible work done by the R. J. Scheffel Memorial Toy Project, highlighting its mission, the passion behind its volunteers, and why it stands as a testament to community spirit in Michigan.

The R. J. Scheffel Memorial Toy Project is located at 16991 Old U.S. 27 A, Lansing, MI 48909, USA. While it may not be a retail storefront with prominent signage, its physical presence is central to its operations. The workshop is situated in a location that, while perhaps unassuming to passersby, is strategically accessible for its dedicated volunteers who gather to craft these special toys. It's important to note that this is a working factory and volunteer space, not a public retail outlet. However, its accessibility ensures that volunteers from across the Lansing tri-county area can easily reach the facility to contribute their time and skills. The project also maintains a mailing address at P.O. Box 23181, Lansing, MI 48909-3181, for donations and correspondence. This combination of a physical workshop for production and a postal address for support streamlines their charitable efforts, making it efficient for their operations and for those who wish to contribute to their noble cause.

The R. J. Scheffel Memorial Toy Project operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to creating and distributing handcrafted wooden toys. Their services are entirely focused on their mission of bringing joy to disadvantaged children.

• Handcrafting Wooden Toys: The core service is the creation of a wide variety of durable and imaginative wooden toys, including cars, trucks, animals, and other playful items, all made by skilled volunteers.
• Making Memory Boxes: In addition to toys, volunteers also craft memory boxes, which can provide a special place for children in challenging circumstances to store their treasured possessions.
• Producing Games: Simple wooden games are also part of their output, designed to provide entertainment and stimulate engagement for children.
• Free Distribution to Children in Need: All items are provided "without charge" to children who are disadvantaged, homeless, needy, or in crisis. This is their primary mode of service delivery to the community.
• Partnerships with Charitable Organizations: They work closely with various organizations, including Lansing's Salvation Army (a major recipient, receiving approximately 40% of their annual production), C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Gilda's Club, Mary Free Bed Hospital in Grand Rapids, CAPS (Child Abuse Prevention Services), Ele's Place, and Kiwanis Clubs. They also provide toys to local police departments.
• Volunteer Opportunities: The project relies entirely on volunteers, offering a fulfilling opportunity for individuals of diverse backgrounds to contribute their time and skills to a meaningful cause. Volunteers work on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
• Donation Acceptance: As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, they accept monetary contributions and donations of materials (like lumber, glue, paint) which are tax-deductible and directly support the cost of making the toys.
• Community Engagement Events: They occasionally participate in or host events, such as bringing unpainted wooden cars to local farmers' markets for children to decorate, fostering community interaction and raising awareness.

The R. J. Scheffel Memorial Toy Project stands out due to several incredibly impactful features and highlights that underscore its importance to the Michigan community.

• Pure Philanthropic Mission: Unlike a retail store, the project's sole focus is "Toy Makers for Disadvantaged and 'In Crisis' Children." This direct charitable purpose, providing toys "without charge," is a powerful highlight that resonates deeply with the community.
• Handcrafted Quality and Care: The emphasis on "hand crafted by volunteers" speaks to the personal touch and dedication put into each item. These are not mass-produced toys, but rather unique, lovingly made gifts, which adds significant value and emotional resonance for the children who receive them.
• Volunteer-Driven Operations: The project runs entirely on volunteer efforts, with "no salaries" paid. This ensures that "Every contribution goes into materials to make toys for children," a transparent and highly efficient use of resources that appeals to donors and supporters. The diverse backgrounds of their "Santa's Elves" (including engineers, psychologists, teachers, and more) highlight the collective talent and dedication.
• Significant Community Impact: With "more than 143,000 wooden toys built by the volunteers" from 2001 through 2018, and substantial annual distributions to organizations like the Salvation Army (3,843 toys in December 2018 alone), their reach within Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties is immense. They also extend support to hospitals and police departments statewide.
• Inspiring Origin Story: The project honors the legacy of Rueben Jacob Scheffel, a retired grocer who began making wooden toys for neighborhood children in 1959. This foundational story of individual kindness evolving into a large-scale community effort adds a rich historical and emotional layer to the project.
• Focus on Simple, Traditional Toys: Research presented at MSU Lingo Lab, in connection with the project, indicated that "simple toys did a better job of helping young children to learn then electronic toys did." This highlights a commitment to traditional play that fosters imagination and parental interaction, a valuable approach in today's digital age.
• Community Engagement: Beyond toy making, the project engages with the wider community through events like decorating wooden cars at farmer's markets, allowing children to participate and take home a piece of their efforts.

To learn more, support their mission, or inquire about volunteer opportunities, you can reach the R. J. Scheffel Memorial Toy Project through the following contact details:

• Physical Location (Workshop): 16991 Old U.S. 27 A, Lansing, MI 48909, USA (Note: This is a workshop, not a retail store open to the public for shopping.)
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 23181, Lansing, MI 48909-3181
• Phone: (517) 882-4988
• Mobile Phone: +1 517-882-4988
• Website: www.scheffel-toys.org (This is the best resource for information on their mission, history, how to donate, and how to volunteer.)
• Email for Donations/Volunteering: donations@scheffel-toys.org / volunteer@scheffel-toys.org

In conclusion, the R. J. Scheffel Memorial Toy Project is a remarkable and deeply impactful organization that perfectly embodies the spirit of generosity and community action within Michigan. For locals, this "factory for charity toys" offers a unique and profound opportunity to contribute to the well-being of disadvantaged and in-crisis children. It's not a place to buy gifts, but rather a place where gifts are created with immense care and distributed with a genuine desire to bring joy. The dedication of its "Santa's Elves," who volunteer their time and skills to handcraft thousands of wooden toys each year, is truly inspiring. By supporting this project, whether through financial donations, material contributions, or volunteering time, residents of Lansing and wider Michigan can directly contribute to providing comfort, play, and a sense of normalcy to children facing challenging circumstances. It’s a testament to how simple, heartfelt acts can collectively create a massive positive impact, making the R. J. Scheffel Memorial Toy Project an indispensable and heartwarming part of Michigan's local fabric.