Family and Children’s Center receives wooden toy donation (WKBT)

LA CROSSE (WKBT) — Scott Cooper and Kurt Grunwald are regular faces at the Family and Children’s Center.

For the past ten years, the two men have made their own wooden toys and given them back to the organization.

This year they made marble race tracks.

They first got the idea while volunteering at the Salvation Army 23 years ago, when they noticed kids playing with old, beaten-up toys.

Although they’ve moved their tradition to the Family and Children’s Center, they say donating still warms their hearts each year.

“We don’t see the kids get them, but we know they’re appreciated and that makes us feel good inside,” said Kurt Grunwald. “Our desire to help hasn’t changed, so we just keep chugging along.”

Tuesday’s donation wasn’t the only reason for excitement at the Family and Children’s Center.

The organization’s recent fundraiser was a success.

They’ve raised $233,000.

The Family and Children’s Center needs your help reaching its $350,000 goal.

Others have offered to match your donations.

“Every dollar is needed and every dollar counts towards the match that the 14 generous donors made,” said Family and Children’s Center Director of Advancement and Marketing Ellen Hongerholt.

The fundraiser has been extended through the end of the year.

Story originally aired on WKBT News 8 Now on December 13, 2022.

View coverage of the contribution from WXOW News 19 that first aired December 13, 2022 here.