The Tellico Village Woodworkers continue to support community needs through donations to charitable organizations, while helping those interested in learning the skill of woodworking.
Ken Mack, treasurer of the club, became a charter members when the club began in May 1997. He, along with five of the eight founders, have crafted and expanded the group to 134 current members. Mack has been treasurer of the club on and off for 17 years.
Most of the work completed by the club will never be seen in a store, Mack said. Woodworking takes time and costs money, which raises the price of saleable items. For that reason, the club donates most of the items to those in need, mainly children.
The biggest charities the Woodworkers support are Toys for Tots and Mack’s personal favorite, Center for Courageous Kids in Kentucky.
Numerous other members do projects for neighbors, friends and family. Only one or two charge people for the work put in. Others just ask that supplies be paid for and a donation be made to Toys for Tots. Members are in it for the hobby and to assist in giving back to the community when they can.
“When we do a project, we don’t take any money for it,” member Wesley McNeal said. “We’re just interested in the hobby of woodworking.”
Mack said that Toys for Tots donations have reached close to $1,000 for the last few years. In December, the club holds an auction at Community Church of Tellico Village, where the club presents 500-800 toys and a check to Loudon County Sheriff’s Office for the organization.
Throughout the year, the club places donation and toy drop-off boxes around the Village so that residents may participate as well.
The other main charity, Center for Courageous Kids, assists children with life threatening diseases. The Woodworkers create cutouts for the children to finish, paint and decorate. Currently, 286 pieces are ready to be shipped to Kentucky, Mack said.
The club also aids the community through creating podiums and furniture for local churches and businesses, as well as donating items to Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding and the Child Advocacy Center.
The Woodworkers aid in 20-30 service projects each year, member Bill McKeel said.
Outside of charity work, the group incorporates a mentoring group for those looking to learn how to do woodworking or how to be better at certain aspects of the hobby. Each month a program committee schedules lectures with experts. Experts explain what they do and show their work before the members. Lectures have included topics such as finishing and different techniques in sawing.
The group members do not meet at a specific place to work. Each member has their own shop built into their home and share tools as well, which tend to be expensive according to McKeel and McNeal. Logs are close to free, if not completely, for the club. Wood is typically give to the club after being cut down on property belonging to the Tellico Village Property Owner’s Association or community members.
Lumber is then sold to members. McKeel and Mack said that the last sale was held March 18 and about all of the available wood was sold.
Mack and members agreed that the best part of the woodworking is “finishing something.” To get involved, contact members through the club’s website, which is located at http://www.tellicoclubs.com/woodworkers/. The organization meets the first Thursday of each month for about two hours and takes up a $20 membership fee each year, but according to McKeel the goal is to “break even.”
The club is open to anyone, not just Village residents, with members hailing from Lenoir City, Loudon County and Vonore, McKeel said.
“It’s a great satisfaction to look at and hold something you’ve made yourself,” McNeal said.
