When Charles and Donna Cooley founded the Happy Factory in 1995, they did so while holding fast to the principle that miracles happen when people willingly serve others. Charles and Donna became aware that many children have never had a toy and they formulated their motto, “We may not be able to make a toy for every child in the world that needs one–but we’re going to try!”

The seeds of their service were planted in a small workshop at their home near Cedar City, Utah in 1995. They made a couple hundred toys that were humbly offered to Primary Children’s Medical Center. Over 1.7 million toys later, The Happy Factory is approaching its 4th decade bringing happiness to children around the world that receive their wooden toys.

Since their humble beginnings, The Happy Factory has welcomed volunteers of every age–including juvenile offenders in three state correctional facilities. There are no paid salaries. The Happy Factory is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All the materials they use are donated and all of the toys are made by volunteers. Every toy is donated to a child in need. The toys are made of scraps of hardwood donated by a local cabinet maker.

The years have taken their toll on The Happy Factory's large belt sander and it is due for replacement. In addiiton, there are other miscellaneous items that need replacing. The cost of these needed replacement items is approximately $10,000.

The Dixie and Anne Leavitt Family Foundation (DALFF), a local 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, is partnering with The Happy Factory and Thor's Hammer, the official NIL collective of Southern Utah University Athletics in its effort to raise the needed funds to help The Happy Factory. Thor's Hammer, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, seeks to match select student-athletes at Southern Utah University with local charitable organizations in order for the local charities to benefit from the student athlete using their name, image and/or likeness to bring attention to the needs of each charity. The student-athletes also receive invaluable experience in public service, community engagement and other life skills.

DALFF has agreed to match all donations made to this campaign up to $5,000. Donations toward this campaign are made to DALFF, a qualified charity under IRC 501(c)(3), and are fully tax deductible. All donations collected, plus matching funds donated by DALFF will be forwarded to The Happy Factory.

We hope you will donate to this exceptionally worthy cause!

The Happy Factory needs a new sander!! Donations matched up to $5000 by DALFF!

Organized in partnership between The Happy Factory, The Dixie and Anne Leavitt Family Foundation and Thor's Hammer, the official NIL Collective of Southern Utah University Athletics

Team Members