September 19, 2021
Earlier this month, we celebrated International Day of Charity, and there is no better day to celebrate at Royal Oaks. Our campus is full of volunteers and do-gooders that range from volunteering at local hospitals, food banks, local churches, and even our own woodworking shop.
Seven years ago, Royal Oaks resident, Fred Delay got a group of woodworkers together and said “why don’t we build some wooden toys for charity.” The first year, they built 350 wooden toys, the following year they doubled it. And, in 2018 they celebrated their 10,000th toy made for local children donated to such organizations as local children’s hospitals, neighborhood ministries, Baptists children’s schools, and even Luke Airforce Base.
Beyond doing for others, volunteering has many benefits for seniors. Volunteering among seniors has been linked to improved quality of life, stronger social networks, and increased levels of physical activities. Royal Oaks promotes a purpose-driven life for not just residents, but for staff members too. Volunteerism contributes to enhanced life satisfaction and wellbeing, sense of purpose, self-confidence, and personal growth.
The woodworking group accepts donations from Royal Oaks, other residents, and even Sundt Construction. Sundt Construction is building the newest neighborhood, Inspirata Pointe at Royal Oaks. They brought over some wood scraps from the construction projects so more toys could be made.
The Woodworking Shop is open to any resident on campus. There are about 6 – 10 residents who use the shop regularly working on projects like toy building, children’s desks, and they volunteer to repair or assemble furniture for other residents. Royal Oaks provides the shop and anything they need to operate.
The Woodworking Shop plans to have another 2,000 toys ready to donate by the end of the year. This group of men collect about 1,200 – 1,800 volunteer hours per year.
