{"id":83987,"date":"2024-12-09T14:54:07","date_gmt":"2024-12-09T20:54:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?p=83987"},"modified":"2024-12-09T14:54:09","modified_gmt":"2024-12-09T20:54:09","slug":"fhsu-gives-back-to-community-through-toy-building-tradition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?p=83987","title":{"rendered":"FHSU gives back to community through toy-building tradition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>By RORY MOORE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tiger Media Network<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 35th Dr. Fred P. Ruda Teaming Up for Tots Day took place inside the CATS Woodshop on Saturday as part of Fort Hays State University\u2019s long-standing holiday toy-building tradition. The event provides experiential learning in manufacturing while giving back to the community by creating toys for underserved children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Assistant Professor of Applied Technology Zack Pixler led the toy build and taught participants how to use each machine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThey design the toy from start to finish, and they learn about the manufacturing process,\u201d he said. \u201cThey also learn about designing jigs and fixtures and the whole design from start to finish.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"431\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-83997\" data-id=\"83997\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-002.jpg?resize=790%2C431\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-002.jpg?resize=1024%2C559 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-002.jpg?resize=370%2C202 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-002.jpg?resize=150%2C82 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-002.jpg?resize=768%2C420 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-002.jpg?w=1435 1435w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Pixler instructs participants on the manufacturing process and how they serve the community through toy-building.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"654\" height=\"791\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-83998\" data-id=\"83998\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-001.jpg?resize=654%2C791\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-001.jpg?w=654 654w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-001.jpg?resize=215%2C260 215w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-001.jpg?resize=124%2C150 124w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 654px) 100vw, 654px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Zach Pixler, Assistant Professor of Applied Technology, shows a model of a toy helicopter he wants builders to make.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"515\" height=\"783\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-83996\" data-id=\"83996\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-003.jpg?resize=515%2C783\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-003.jpg?w=515 515w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-003.jpg?resize=171%2C260 171w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-003.jpg?resize=99%2C150 99w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 515px) 100vw, 515px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Dan Schluckebier drills a whole in a piece of wood where the manufacturing process begins.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"428\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-83995\" data-id=\"83995\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-004.jpg?resize=790%2C428\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-004.jpg?resize=1024%2C555 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-004.jpg?resize=370%2C200 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-004.jpg?resize=150%2C81 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-004.jpg?resize=768%2C416 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-004.jpg?w=1418 1418w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">A helicopter model is sand-faced before being constructed further.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"479\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-83994\" data-id=\"83994\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-005.jpg?resize=790%2C479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-005.jpg?resize=1024%2C621 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-005.jpg?resize=370%2C224 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-005.jpg?resize=150%2C91 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-005.jpg?resize=768%2C466 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-005.jpg?w=1280 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Builders pass their work to each other upon completion in their individual roles.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"765\" height=\"783\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-83993\" data-id=\"83993\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-006.jpg?resize=765%2C783\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-006.jpg?w=765 765w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-006.jpg?resize=254%2C260 254w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-006.jpg?resize=147%2C150 147w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 765px) 100vw, 765px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Carly Marie Odegard passes along a helicopter-shaped piece of wood to a young participant.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"601\" height=\"783\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-83992\" data-id=\"83992\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-007.jpg?resize=601%2C783\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-007.jpg?w=601 601w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-007.jpg?resize=200%2C260 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-007.jpg?resize=115%2C150 115w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 601px) 100vw, 601px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Bryan Pixler, saws off a piece of foam that serve as propellers on the toy helicopters.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"440\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-83991\" data-id=\"83991\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-008.jpg?resize=790%2C440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-008.jpg?resize=1024%2C570 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-008.jpg?resize=370%2C206 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-008.jpg?resize=150%2C84 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-008.jpg?resize=768%2C428 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-008.jpg?w=1408 1408w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Mryma Jordan stains the toys while chatting with Marlisa Berner who wipes the toys down.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"478\" height=\"788\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-83990\" data-id=\"83990\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-009.jpg?resize=478%2C788\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-009.jpg?w=478 478w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-009.jpg?resize=158%2C260 158w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-009.jpg?resize=91%2C150 91w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 478px) 100vw, 478px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Jackson Sinsel hammers a wooden pillar into a model.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"551\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-83989\" data-id=\"83989\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-010.jpg?resize=790%2C551\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-010.jpg?resize=1024%2C714 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-010.jpg?resize=370%2C258 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-010.jpg?resize=150%2C105 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-010.jpg?resize=768%2C535 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-010.jpg?w=1126 1126w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Propellers are applied to the toy helicopters.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"246\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-83988\" data-id=\"83988\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-011.jpg?resize=790%2C246\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-011.jpg?resize=1024%2C319 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-011.jpg?resize=370%2C115 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-011.jpg?resize=150%2C47 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-011.jpg?resize=768%2C239 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-011.jpg?resize=1536%2C478 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-011.jpg?w=1889 1889w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Approximately 185 toys were produced by the end of the project which exceeded the goal of 180.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"430\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-83999\" data-id=\"83999\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-012.jpg?resize=790%2C430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-012.jpg?resize=1024%2C557 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-012.jpg?resize=370%2C201 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-012.jpg?resize=150%2C82 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-012.jpg?resize=768%2C417 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-012.jpg?w=1446 1446w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The Toy Build was founded by the late Dr. Fred Ruda who made made it his mission to serve the Hays community through manufacturing giving back.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Ruda, a professor and department chair at Fort Hays, began the tradition of serving underprivileged children in the Hays community before his passing in a car accident in 2012.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhen Fred Ruda started this in the early 90s, his main goal was to give back to those in need in the community,\u201d Pixler said. \u201cIt\u2019s important to me and our department to keep this project going in Fred\u2019s name and keep his legacy going. He was a pillar in our department, university, and the Hays community in general. So, being able to give back and still have his name on this is very important to all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many families brought their children to participate in the toy building, which Pixler sees as a chance to instill values of serving others in them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhen parents bring their children to that event, I like to think they\u2019re instilling that thought process of giving back during the holiday season,\u201d he said. \u201cWe had kids as young as four or five years old here, running back and forth, moving stuff from one station to the next, and a lot of them were returners. So, this event makes kids want to come back and participate because seeing a toy go from a pile of lumber to a finished product is a special thing, and the kids say, \u2018Hey! I had a hand in that!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pixler aimed to have 180 wooden toy helicopters produced in the manufacturing process. By the end of the event, 185 were made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOne of the things I wanted to stress was we don\u2019t come here to build these toys quickly,\u201d he said. \u201cWe come here to enjoy each other\u2019s company, spend time with one another, make new friends, and reunite with old friends while we build toys. The holidays are all about that sense of community and giving back to those who need help. This is a tough time of year for a lot of people due to financial situations or loss in their family. Being able to provide a service and build something that can uplift people is pretty special. So, this is the perfect event for the holiday season to get that sense of community and give back.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By RORY MOORE Tiger Media Network The 35th Dr. Fred P. Ruda Teaming Up for Tots Day took place inside the CATS Woodshop on Saturday&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":142,"featured_media":83999,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":false,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3397,3398,11],"tags":[6400,15700,4514,16115],"class_list":["post-83987","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-area-news","category-campus-news","category-news","tag-community-service","tag-rory-moore","tag-teaming-up-for-tots","tag-toy-building"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/TUFTS-012.jpg?fit=1446%2C786","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83987","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/142"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=83987"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83987\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84003,"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83987\/revisions\/84003"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/83999"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=83987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=83987"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=83987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}