Written by Kristen Hampshire
Photography by Jill Jasuta
Each holiday season, the Mason Dixon Woodworkers shape toys and treasures that delight children across Delmarva–while welcoming new hands to join their mission
Each holiday season across Delmarva, the glow of Christmas lights reflects not only cheer but also the warmth of wood—and the devoted hands that shape it. For decades, the Mason Dixon Woodworkers of Delmar, Delaware, have turned their love of craftsmanship into a mission of kindness: building wooden toys and practical gifts for children in need.
The nonprofit club’s workshop sits on the property of Blind Industries & Services of Maryland, which generously donates the space. Inside, the air hums with the rhythm of saws and sanders as volunteers work side by side—some, lifelong craftsmen; others, newcomers learning the art for the first time. Together, they create joy in tangible form.
Each year, the group produces 10 different designs, crafting at least 100 of each item. Their creations range from whimsical to useful: toy trucks, doll cradles and puzzles share space with folding orange chairs, crayon holders and other handmade treasures built to delight and endure. Every item is made with the same care, and every piece is destined for a child or family who needs a little extra light during the holidays.
The finished toys and gifts are distributed through local charities, shelters, and family service organizations across the Delmarva Peninsula. For many of the woodworkers, the mission strikes a deeply personal chord. “When I was little, we didn’t have much,” one member shared. “Making these toys now feels like giving back to that little boy who wished for something under the tree.”
But as the years pass, this remarkable group faces a growing challenge—time. Most of the current members are older, and too many have passed on since the club’s founding. The Mason Dixon Woodworkers urgently need new hands—and new hearts—to carry their tradition forward. They welcome everyone to join them, especially women, and no experience is necessary. They’re more than willing to teach anyone who wants to learn the craft and continue the joy.
In the workshop, surrounded by sawdust and laughter, generosity takes its purest shape—measured not in hours or output, but in smiles built one toy, one chair, one act of compassion at a time. CS
Email: Info@CoastalStyleMag.com
Phone: 410-205-MAGS
Terms of Use
