This 80-year-old Army Vet Has Been Making Christmas Gifts For Children In Need For 50 Years

With so many children impatiently waiting for Christmas morning to unwrap their presents, sadly, there are also those who will not receive any gifts. Families who are struggling to make ends meet aren’t always able to put presents under the Christmas tree. Luckily, there are many people in the community who are willing to spread kindness and help the families in need.

More info: abc11.com

One of these kindhearted people is an 80-year-old army veteran, Jim Annis. The man makes the holiday season all about giving back to those who need it the most. That’s why for the past 50 years, Annis has been making toys for kids from struggling families.

“When the Salvation Army gives out food and clothes to people in this area, I give out my toys,” said Annis.

Each year, he crafts handmade wooden toys and donates around 300 of them to the Salvation Army of Sanford. The man receives some of the wooden scraps from his neighbors and pays for other materials himself.

This costs him as much as $1000 each year. However, to him, it’s not about the money, but rather making kids feel cared for. Annis knows the feeling of not getting gifts on Christmas very well.

“My dad he worked, but didn’t make a lot of money. It’s hard to have a big Christmas with five kids,” he said.

Some of the toys he makes are fire trucks, dolls, and even piggy banks. The man hopes to continue doing this for as long as he can.

“I love when people ask me how much do I get paid for making these toys. I tell them my pay is when I see the smile on kids’ faces,” said Annis. “I hope to be able to do this until my toes curl up.”