Glen Ellyn resident Bill Hochmuth and his fellow team of DuPage Woodworkers have operated as real life elves for several years.
They don’t dress up in red and green costumes or accompany Santa at the local mall. In fact, their average appearance gives little indication of their link to the holiday profession.
But their workshops – so beautifully lined with the most cherished of tools and smelling of sawdust – help explain the personal story of a group of men and women who truly embody the spirit of Christmas.
“It’s just a bunch of people coming together who have a common interest that want to grow,” Hochmuth said.
Since 1995, the DuPage Woodworkers group has attracted men and women from throughout suburbs who all share a love for woodworking.
The nearly 200-member club operates out of a space at St. James the Apostle Church in Glen Ellyn where they listen to guest speakers, create handmade pieces and share secrets of the trade to help perfect their craft.
For the past six years, they have also run a massive toy drive where all of the donations are personally created by members. (Photos: Toys of the club)
“We will do we what we can,” Hochmuth said.
From hand-carved hippopotamus crayon holders to tug boats and cars, the types of toys made by the men of women of DuPage Woodworkers truly run the gamut. Each year, they create around 800 different pieces that are given to St. James and Carol Stream-based Humanitarian Service Project to distribute to their respective charities.
This year, the group also extended its donation out to Mark DeLay Elementary School in Darien as well as the Developmental Learning Program run by the Eisenhower Cooperative, a special education-based school district located in Crestwood.
“Apparently the kids went nuts for them,” Hochmuth said of the students at Mark DeLay. “And how could they not.”
DuPage Woodworkers spends almost the entire year building the toys, with most members taking on 10 to 20 pieces to complete by November. Costs are at a minimum, with a majority of the wood and materials donated or sold at a discount to the club.
However, many agree they would continue even if the free supply ran dry.
“The cost is not an issue for us,” Hochmuth said. “To many of us, this is an important thing.”
The toys are simple, with no finish, paint or sparkly gems to distinguish one hand-carved hippo from the next.
Instead, the work speaks for itself.
“We aren’t into fancy,” said Stan Anderson, who is in charge of the annual toy drive.
“With something like this, you get to use your imagination,” added Rick Ogren, exiting president of DuPage Woodworkers, while holding a wood shaped whale.
Still, many members of the club are concerned that the art of woodworking is one not being passed down through generations. They worry that as members of the club pass on, few will be around to fill their place and keep the club going.
Hochmuth said recruiting younger members continues to be a top priority, and they welcome any new faces to their monthly meetings.
For more information on DuPage Woodworkers, or to join, go to dupagewoodworkers.org.
