Times Observer Cummins Inc. user photo awarded a $5,000 grant to upgrade tools used by volunteers at the North Warren Toy Store. Pictured, left to right, are Cummins Community Relations Coordinator Jennifer Lundmark; Wes Ramsey, Executive Director of Penn Soil RC&D, and Marilyn Hoyt, Third Shift Assembly flow coordinator at the Jamestown Engine Plant.
Each year, Toy Shoppe volunteers make 1,000 to 1,500 handmade wooden toys for underprivileged and special needs children in Warren and Chautauqua counties.
This affects the tools needed for the job.
To this end, Cummins Corporation's Jamestown Engine Plant has allocated a $5,000 grant to upgrade and modernize this equipment.
"Because many of the carpentry tools used by the volunteers have been around for as long as the Toy Shoppe has existed, we've had a hard time getting the spare parts we need for routers, planers, tapes and drills," said Wes Ramsey. Managing Director of Pen Gleba.
“Very often when we try to order a part for a machine, we find that the part is no longer available and the manufacturer has stopped supporting it. "Some of the equipment was so old that it could not be connected to the dust collection system in the workshop, which helps keep the air quality safe for the volunteers."
"Cummins is proud to support the incredible work of volunteers who make such beautiful and educational toys for underprivileged children," said Jennifer Lundmark, Cummins Community Relations Coordinator.
Lundmark and Third Shift Assembly Coordinator Marilyn Hoyt visited the store to drop off some of the toys they were working on and see the new equipment in action.
"Visiting the toy store to see the volunteers at work is one of the perks of working at Cummins: seeing first-hand the good things we can do in the community," Hoyt said .
Penn Soil RC&D applied for the grant last November and received the funds in May, Ramsey said.
Toy Shoppe volunteer coordinator Patrick Williams said the rolls include a saw, belt and disc sander, spindle sander, router, drill press, sander, sander and dusting system. , nail/stapler and other small parts.
"We have a long-standing partnership with Cummins, Inc.'s Jamestown Engine Plant, where select Cummins employees also volunteer to help paint and distribute some of our toys in Warren and Chautauqua counties, and we truly appreciate your efforts," he said. he said. . Williams said.
“These new tools will help us reduce lost production time due to outdated equipment and improve the safety of our volunteers. We appreciate the support of Penn Soil RC&D as Fiscal Agent, ” he said.
