FORKS – In an age of mass-produced plastic toys, you might take comfort in knowing there’s at least one man in the world who’s still making toys the old-fashioned way, in his wood shop.

And when Steve Dalman of Forks has enough toys to fill a package, he sends them off, free of charge, to children all over the world.

“Toys went to Alaska, several places in Mexico, Central America, South America, many places in Africa, Southeast Asia. Oh gosh, I’ve been doing this somewhere between 20 and 30 years. I’ve dealt with so many different agencies through the years.  Just…toys around the world.”

As you might imagine, the cost of shipping hundreds of toys at a time across the globe has added up over the years, but Dalman has come up with a better way. He came upon the idea of handing off a suitcase full of toys to folks who are already traveling to far-flung parts of the world. After all, checking an extra piece of luggage costs $25, while sending the very same package through the mail can be hundreds of dollars.

Over the years Steve has developed a wide network of folks who travel regularly, but finding enough suitcases to keep up has become an issue. That’s where we come in.

“Most suitcases, you know, you can only have like 50 pounds and then you pay the excess baggage. So what I’m really looking for is small suitcases. Let’s say two-foot by two-foot by whatever. And I would take any condition. I’ll repair them. Just so these people going in-country can take toys, and I’ll even pay for the excess baggage.”

If you have a few minutes to go through your attic or storage shed, there’s no telling how many smiles you could be helping to make. Meanwhile, Steve Dalman will continue his life’s work.

“I’ve talked to so many people that do woodworking and they say they make one thing and never make it again. I make the same thing every day. I make about 7 toys a day. I really enjoy doing it.”

Dalman says the best way to donate that old luggage is to give him a call at (360)640-2807.

Bannner photo: Steve Dalman in his wood shop.

Below: Toys packaged and ready to go.