
The Institute of Applied Technologies at Fort Hays State University is once again helping to spread holiday cheer with the annual Dr. Fred Ruda Toys for Tots project.
Every year the Institute develops and creates toys that are then given to local children who may not otherwise get Christmas presents. The group partners with Teaming Up For Tots who will then distribute the toys.
Dr. Duane Renfrow, Associate Professor of Technology Studies, is leading the effort this year and he said the Production Systems Class helps to design the toys, “Once we brainstorm the ideas, come up with the prototypes, get the toy picked out and then we go through the process of drawing and designing it, then we start looking at the materials that we’re going to need.”
Until the untimely death of Dr. Fred Ruda, Chair of the Technology Studies department at Fort Hays State University, in 2012 Dr. Ruda helped to lead the project and he would make the decision on what toy they would create.
Dr. Renfrow said the project starts with 2×4’s and then a pre-production team will cut out the pieces to make assembly easier. They will also have all of the parts and all of the jigs and fixtures made before hand, so it is easier to drills holes and make cuts.
The group usually designs for 250 toys but Dr. Renfrow said that the number of need children in the area continues to decline and the group planned for 160 toys this year. They make sure that there are no small parts or sharp edges and the toy is safe for children ages three to six.
On the first Saturday in December, every year the group gets together and invites kids of all ages and communities members to come together to help assemble the toys. Children under 12 years old are asked to have adult supervision. The smaller kids are usually parts runners to help gets pieces to where they need to go.
This year’s assembly day is Saturday, December 7th from 9:00 a.m. to around 12:00 p.m. and for those they start around noon they will have pizza.
Dr. Renforw also added, “We’re really appreciative of the community support that has gone into this. Our businesses have really been good supporters.” And Dr. Renfrow said they hope to continue the project as long as there is a need.