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LOGAN — KSL-5 TV and American First Credit Union come together twice a month to give a "High 5" to someone doing good in our community. It includes a surprise visit and $500 cash gift.
On Thursday, former educators Ray Hunsaker and Paul Tullis were recognized for their efforts in making and donating handmade wooden cars to children in need around the world. They mostly use donated wood scraps to make the toys.
They recently made their 220,000th car, and have no plans to stop. In fact, they plan to put their $500 gift straight back into the project, which will help them make 2,000 more toys.
Watch the video above to learn more about the project see the pair's sweet reaction when they received their "High 5."
If you wish to help their project, you can call Ray Hunsaker at 435-753-9632.
If you wish to nominate someone for a High 5, click here.
Nomination letter sent in by Christine Hunsaker:
"Ray Hunsaker and his partner Paul Tullis of Logan, Utah have produced more than 200,000 toys to share with children in the past ten years. Ray and Paul designed sports cars, touring cars, vans and pick-up trucks that become a durable gift.
They acquire the scrap hardwood from cabinetry and mill shops, and then plane, prep, cut, drill, and sand the wood for each toy. Ray has said each toy takes about 25 minutes before it is ready for assembly. Church and school groups, organizations, families, or individuals volunteer for the opportunity to assemble the cars and trucks with wheels and finish the toys with an oil finish.
After passing inspection, the toys are shipped around the world to children who are thrilled with such a unique gift. Toys are also shared with children in United States that have been faced with crises, including Hurricane Katrina and the California wildfires. Toys are often distributed by armed forces members or humanitarian groups and individuals to children in other countries who do not have toys.
Ray, a 78-year old retired educator, now works by himself spending 4-6 hours a day in the workshop, trying to keep up with the requests for service projects. He often pays for the supplies — oil, glue, sandpaper, and wheels — needed to produce the toys, and is grateful for donations given to further the project. Not accepting payment for his time, the hours he spends in the wood shop is a noteworthy example of service given to others."
