The Beavers Establish Supportive Relationship With Charity North Star Reach
Bennett’s Beavers founder Jim Bennett and woodworker volunteers Carl Baker and Dean Peters present North Star Reach with replicas of their Moose Head mascot, ribbon racks for their craft shop and condiment trays for the dining hall. The Beavers are proud to support the charity North Star Reach with their camping programs for hospitalized children throughout the mid West.
2017 Governor’s Service Awards
– Senior Volunteer of the Year Award
Jim Bennett of Hamburg has been on a 29-year mission to bring a smile to thousands of children hospitalized each year. Starting in 1995 as a one-man operation, Jim began making wooden toys for C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital after learning many children had little to do to pass the long hours while receiving treatment. His effort led him to found Bennett’s Beavers, a nonprofit with 24 volunteers who make and ship 40,000 wooden toys annually to 50 hospitals across the U.S. and Central America. Jim has given more than 20,000 hours of time, driven more than 30,000 miles and raised thousands of dollars for his organization to ensure that all the toys be provided free of charge. He ships the toys undecorated, allowing the children to personalize them. “Not only have the Beavers blessed Mott with countless wonderful wood cutouts and special projects, but through their kindness, generosity and huge hearts, they have become our dear friends and an incredible asset to our programs,” said Anne Mende, activity therapist at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.