They stand in a row like toy soldiers, beautifully hand-crafted wooden toys just waiting for a boy or girl who needs them.

There are simple cars, trains, trucks, wagons with pull strings and cradles complete with tiny handmade quilts.

The Wooden Toy Ministry of the Puyallup United Methodist Church is literally a labor of love. The idea for the unique woodworking ministry was initiated by Ken Davis, a member of the congregation.

As one who loves the craft, Davis thought other men in the church would enjoy using their skills to develop a new ministry outreach.

Now in its eighth year, Davis estimates the group has made between 3,000 and 4,000 toys. More than 100 were donated this year.

The cradles are especially popular because of the handmade quilts made by Miki Craighead, a church organist and avid quilter.

To meet the demand, the men hope to make at least 10 cradles each year, Davis said.

This year, the Faith Singers choir members are buying dolls to accompany the cradles.

“When I saw the precious cradles the men were making, I felt that they needed a warmer look, so I decided to make doll quilts,” Craighead said. “I’ve made about 20 so far; I love being able to use up my fabric scraps from larger projects. The toy project gives me the opportunity to serve God in a way that is creative and a good activity for this 83-year-old brain.”

The woodworking group spends most of the year making the toys that will fill the handcrafted toy chest until needed.

“Every year, we fill up the chest,” Davis said.

There have been as many as 10 men involved throughout the years, said Davis, who continues to recruit volunteers.

Tom Nelson has been making toys for three years.

“I enjoy woodworking, and I like making these toys because I know they are going to a good cause, and that makes a difference,” he said.

Second-year volunteer Merritt Smyth agreed. Although he had made furniture before he joined the group, he had never made toys.

Another volunteer said he probably wouldn’t select woodworking as a hobby except for the ministry, and he’s upgraded his equipment and is constantly looking for new toys and patterns.

Careful research has been done to ensure that the toys are built with safety in mind and given non-toxic finishes. A certificate is on file in the church to that effect.

As one volunteer put it: “We have never had one of our toys recalled.”

The toys are dedicated during a Sunday morning service prior to Christmas and then donated to the Toy Rescue Mission to be given to children who might not receive such high-quality toys otherwise.

Martha Davis (no relation to Ken Davis), president and executive director of the Toy Rescue Mission, said the wooden toys are a welcome addition to the ones they provide.

“The need is incredible,” she said.

Located in Tacoma, the Toy Rescue Mission has served the South Sound for more than 20 years. Run almost entirely with the help of volunteers, donated, gently used toys are individually inspected, cleaned and restored to “like new” condition.

Families in need can shop there at no charge for birthday or Christmas gifts.

“We serve over 5,000 people annually,” Martha Davis said. “This December, we have already helped 1,100 people.

“My mission is to keep smiles on the faces of children,” she added.

Linda Henry is a freelance reporter for The Herald.