A Utah toy maker is retiring to make room for a new generation to take up the job.
You do something for someone else if you want to be happy.
A man who may be the most famous toymaker in Utah’s history, and whose warehouse space is where learning begins, frequently repeats those words.
Learning from his example is not the only way to encourage learning.
There is no need to look further than the dozens of volunteers who help sort books and pack backpacks.
Thacker built toy cars and gave them away for free to children around the world. It has been a challenge when you are running a nonprofit that grows.
There is a box of toys waiting for wheels.
The ride has been a roller coaster. He went from losing the donations of those who paid the rent on his warehouse space to being recognized and given prizes by Mike Rowe of TV’s “Dirty Jobs” to having to pack up and move to a new space.
Thacker has never been one to say no to requests for toy cars. He and his volunteers have never been paid.
He stated that a happy face is worth it. Who benefits the most is not known. Is it the little person who gets the toy, or the old man who loves to play with toys all day?
Thacker says they aren’t all “old guys.” Emilee Johnson is one of his most faithful helpers.
“For me and my family, my kids love coming here and being a part of this and I don’t know what I’d do without it.”
The saws are not moving. The volunteers are sorting through the books. Discover Books donated them all.
Thacker said that when they arrived, it was four boxes of books. Four feet high and four feet square.
A volunteer at Tiny Tim’s Toy Factory is sorting donated books.
Tens of thousands of toy cars have been given to Eyes 4 Zimbabwe by Tiny Tim’s Toy Factory.
The books and school supplies will be included. Johnson said they need it.
She said that they carry a brick with them to school so they can sit on it and do their homework.
Being around the warehouse has given Thacker purpose even though it isn’t as easy as it used to be. He was suffering from a stroke.
Thacker said that his memory was the most affected by the incident.
As Thacker approaches his 87th birthday, he is hanging up his hat, and it will take the strength of multiple family members to pick it up.
She said that it would take three of them to do now.
Emilee Johnson talked about the type of books they should include in the backpacks.
Don’t count Thacker out right now.
He said that he gets up in the morning and gets dressed alone.
The work of running the organization that Thacker is stepping down from is what the big retirement party is about. She expects him to keep showing up and working on toys as long as he can.
She said that he would be at this location. It’s what he loves. He built this out of his desire to serve others and allow others to serve.
This warehouse is where learning begins, even if he is not here.
Lessons Thacker taught will last a long time.
He says that happiness is doing something for someone else. “That is the truth.”
The retirement party will be held at their warehouse at 6818 S Airport Road in West Jordan. People who have received a car, helped make them, or just want to say hello are invited to stop by.
You can find more information on their website.