Choose Life Toymakers would not exist without the inspiration and expertise of Bill Distel.
Before moving to Buena Vista, Distel volunteered for a non-profit in Las Vegas for 8 years making small wooden toys with wheels to give away to kids who need a smile.
âWhen I heard of this woodworking outreach, I enlisted Billâs help to start Choose Life Toymakers in Buena Vista, Mary Lee Bensman, Â founder and CEO said. âBill had samples of the toys made in Vegas. He taught me the system: Make a pattern, drill holes, cut, sand, glue wheels.â
Distel is a wealth of information about the program itself, according to Bensman. âHe has basically predicted how this endeavor would unfold from his experience. He knew volunteers would start helping. He knew the toys would be a hit with kids and adults. He knew it would grow.â