Crafting wooden toys is Lanny Nelson’s specialty.

Handing out those products to kids, however, comes from his ultimate desire of giving back to the community.

“Every retired guy should have something to do,” Nelson said.

His interest in woodworking has been his hobby for as long as he could remember. Nelson, a Celoron resident who retired in 2001, fully involves himself in the craft, making the toys for benefits across the local area. Recently, Nelson sent a toy to Lucas Gibbons, a Sherman boy who was diagnosed with retinoblastoma. He also has crafted toys for the daycare at the YMCA and frequently enters establishments, including Tim Hortons, McDonalds and Ashville General Store, speaking with parents and handing out the toys to the excited children

“I tell them I make the toys and they are free,” Nelson said. “I let them know that my intentions are honorable. I go to Tim Hortons in the morning. I’m pretty well-known up there and they just love them.”

When Nelson talks to the parents and hands the toys out to the children, in return, he hands the child a gift for their mother.

“They really get excited,” he said. “I tell them to take it and give it to your mom, give her a big hug, and tell her you love her. All around, I’ve had so many people say that I have made their day.”

The materials to make the toys come from generous donations among the community, specifically the wood, while Nelson purchases the wheels. He recalled a time in which a generous individual gave him some money, vanishing before he could express his gratitude.

“I gave some toys to the kids, and there was a gentleman standing there,” Nelson said. “He never said a word, but I went to sit down and he got coffee. He came over and told me to buy some wood and handed me a folded up bill. He turned around and was out the door. It was a $100 bill. I was thunderstruck.”

A lot of people want to stick money in his pocket, and he politely expresses that he doesn’t desire the money. The people, however, insist. His giving acts have been recognized and acknowledged by many, including state Sen. Cathy Young, R-C-I-Olean. Nelson received a letter from Young honoring his work in the community and his donations made to the early education program at the Jamestown YMCA.

Nelson’s name recently won the Chautauqua County Inspirational Senior Award from the United Senior Counsel, and he was shocked when he received the phone call regarding the matter. He recently attended a dinner held in his honor at the Findley Lake Community Center in Findley Lake, NY.

The generous toy maker’s total number of products built over the years is in the thousands. Carrying a big bag, like Saint Nick, the bag empties fairly quickly. In a day, Nelson is able to make a dozen toys. He cuts out several patterns that he generates in his head, cuts them out and installs the wheels. Patterns include trucks, helicopters, planes, pull toys and birdhouses among other wooden products.

In 1975, Nelson was involved in a serious motorcycle accident, having been laid up for two years. His right hand is severely crippled and he will have surgery on in the coming weeks. The surgery, he says, is going to be extensive.

Nelson is currently working on several wooden cars. He’s trying to fill the sack full of trucks and cars before he goes through recovery.

“I’m holding my breath because If I couldn’t do this, I don’t know what I would do,” Nelson said. “I’m going to try and make as many toys as I can.

If anyone would like to donate wood, call Lanny Nelson at 483-0006.