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The Sacramento Area Woodworkers’ longstanding partnership with The Salvation Army helps bring joy to children at Christmas.
The Sacramento Area Woodworkers (SAW) have continued a holiday tradition of more than 40 years, creating handcrafted wooden toys that ensure children throughout the greater Sacramento, California, area experience the joy of Christmas.
On Dec. 2, the group gathered at the Hart Senior Center in midtown Sacramento, where they presented thousands of newly crafted toys to The Salvation Army. During the event, SAW members showcased their creations, each one designed, cut, sanded and finished by hand.
The donations included finely made toy cars and trucks, intricately built doll cradles and wooden fishing sets with magnetic play pieces. Every item reflects hours of skilled craftsmanship and a shared belief that every child deserves to feel remembered and loved during the holidays.
“I just don’t see where any child should go without a toy for Christmas,” said SAW member Kathy Braun. “It doesn’t matter if it’s small, large or what it is—they need something to show that they’re loved.”
This year, SAW donated 3,772 toys—one of its largest contributions ever—which will supplement The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program in Sacramento. The longstanding partnership between SAW and The Salvation Army has become one of the region’s most unique volunteer traditions, blending artistry, community spirit and a shared commitment to meeting local needs.
In 2024, the Angel Tree program helped keep the magic of Christmas morning alive for nearly 7,500 Sacramento families. The distribution also provides a boxed Christmas dinner and the option to select a used artificial Christmas tree.
“These one-of-a-kind, handcrafted toys not only ensure every family in need in Sacramento has something to open on Christmas morning, but they also remind us of the true meaning of a Christmas present,” said Del Oro Divisional Commander Major Osei Stewart.
“They don’t need to be fancy or expensive—presents remind a child that someone is thinking about them and cares. That is the most important message we can deliver this Christmas, and community partners like the Sacramento Area Woodworkers help us deliver that message.”
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