MindGear Labs cranks out Christmas gifts for children
This jewelry tree is one of about 20 designs that MindGear Labs has built for Christmas gifts to children in need. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – In recent weeks, MindGear Labs has resembled Santa’s workshop with design and construction of Christmas gifts for children in need.
The idea originated last year when owner Rob Adams and director of operations Tia Wheeler “wanted to give back to the community and help the neediest of our community — kids that can’t take care of themselves,” Adams said.
About 20 to 30 “elf designers,” or volunteers outside MindGear, have been working since mid-October to develop prototypes for new toys. Workers used “pretty simple, mainly vector graphics software like Inkscape,” Adams said. Some designers were familiar with CAD packages and used that software genre for processing.
MindGear employees assisted with completing their designs. “Our tools are everything we have at the lab, including laser cutters, a CNC mill and three-dimensional (3D) printers,” he said.
With designs complete, MindGear employees will cut most toy parts during the week of Dec. 1. “Finally, Elf Assemblers, our volunteers from the community, will work Dec. 6 and 13 to finish the toys and wrap them. We’re looking for about 120 volunteers this year, and we still have slots open,” Adams said.
Volunteers do not need any special skills, but MindGear does have a special need for people who can sew. “All our volunteers get an elf hat,” Adams said.
The MindGear staff contacted all possible charitable organizations to identify children in need.
“We tried to make toys that would appeal to a wide range of ages,” Adams said. This year’s gift catalog has about 20 toys, including alphabet puzzles and rocking chairs for younger children; a jewelry tree and necklaces for girls; several puzzles, like a 3D dinosaur and tannegram geometric puzzles; and a combination whiteboard/chalkboard for older youth.
MindGear’s address is 8331 Madison Blvd., Suite 200B.
Individuals can volunteer to assemble toys or to donate needed supplies, including wrapping paper, medium-weight cotton fabrics, felt, cookies and lumber, by emailing to tia@mindgearlabs.com. For financial donations, visit mindgearlabs.com/santaslab.
