By TJJD Communications —
In the weeks leading up to the holidays, the sound of saws and sanders filled the woodshop at Giddings State Juvenile Correctional Facility. This time, the work was not for a class assignment, but for a cause.
Youth in the Giddings Construction Technology class spent hours designing and building handmade wooden toys to donate to young patients at Wichita Falls State Hospital. On December 18, 2026, two of the youth, joined by staff, teachers, and Giddings Assistant Principal Tracey Walker, delivered the toys in person. The visit allowed the youth to see the impact of their work and the difference they could make in their community.
Built With Purpose
The toys were created in partnership with Construction Technology Instructor Martin Rangel, a longtime staff member with more than 30 years of experience at Giddings. Together, he and other Giddings teachers found templates online and guided youth through every step of the woodworking process — from selecting designs to cutting shapes, sanding edges, assembling wooden wheels and dowels, painting, and attaching pull strings.
In previous years, students built rocking horses. This year, they chose to try something new. Teachers worked with youth to develop a variety of designs, including different car styles and shapes inspired by vintage pull toys. Youth participated in every stage of the project, learning how to use new tools, considering materials for safety and durability, choosing designs they felt hospital patients would enjoy, and completing final details such as paint colors and finishing touches.
“My goal is to teach students the skills they can pass on to others. The toys they create are a way to share those skills and bring joy to children who need it, especially during the holidays.” Rangel shared. “It’s about doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.”
A Chance to Give Back
For the youth involved, the project carried special meaning.
“I got a chance to give back to the community and show them I’m not really who they thought I was. I got to show them the pure heart I got.” one student said.
“When they told me I am going to be building toys, and they were going to be going to other people, it made me really excited because I am not in the best place to be helping others. It made me feel good,” another youth reflected. “I learned that I am more patient than I thought, and I think it helped me build self-confidence working by myself and with other people.”
That sense of purpose is what educators at Giddings hope youth take away from projects like this.
“I think these projects help the kids come to an understanding really, that although they have been through a lot, they can look beyond themselves and see that other kids are going through similar things that they have. This shows young people that they have the ability to give hope and impact others outside themselves.” Tracey Walker, Assistant Principal at the Giddings State Juvenile Correctional Facility said.
Learning Skills and Empathy
Programs like construction technology are designed to teach career skills, but projects like this go even further.
“It’s natural for anyone in an institutional setting to need extra support during the holiday season,” said Kristy Carr, Associate Commissioner with Texas Health and Human Services. “The toys donated by TJJD will be used as discharge presents to our patients, reminding them that somebody cares. They need to know that we aren’t just providing support for them right now, we are going to support them in their full recovery journey. That’s what these collaborations represent.”
The toy drop-off was welcomed with excitement and appreciation from a group of staff at Texas Health and Human Services, where they shared that these toys would be given to kids at Wichita Falls State Hospital as release presents. Youth were asked about their experience making the toys, what they enjoyed most, and what their next steps were after their upcoming release.
It’s moments like these that youth take with them when they leave, remembering what kind of impact their rehabilitation can have on both themselves and others.
At Giddings, the lesson extended beyond the woodshop, showing youth that everyone can build hope.