Rotary Club President Alison Pannell looks on as James Wernicke introduces a troll doll toy that will be modified for easy operation by a child with physical disabilities. Photo by Linda Hull/Rotary
By LINDA HULL
Vice President
Rotary Club of Los Alamos
James Wernicke, a friend of the Rotary Club of Los Alamos, recently told members about a project, Santa’s Little Makers Accessible Toys, being undertaken now at Los Alamos Makers, a non-profit scientific and technical playground for all ages and abilities, at 3540 Orange St.
Wernicke expressed the project goals as “modifying as many as 50 toys with accessible switches (control buttons)–larger than standard–for kids with physical impairments.”
Volunteers and staff will modify the toys by printing control buttons with 3D printers and by using 3.5mm cables, reducing the price considerably.
The modified toys will be given as Christmas gifts to children at Carrie Tingley Hospital in Albuquerque. The hospital, founded in 85 years ago, specializes in “treating complex musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions, developmental issues, and long term physical disabilities.”
The community is encouraged to volunteer 3:30-5:30 p.m., Tuesday evenings, through Dec. 13 “to solder, sew or pack toys.” Monetary donations are always welcome, as are supplies. For more information, click here.
