Alton Thacker, the heartwarming founder of Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids, a non-profit organization that has gifted over 1.7 million handcrafted wooden toy cars to children worldwide, passed away peacefully at his home in West Jordan, Utah, on Tuesday, November 26th. He was 89 years old. Thacker’s legacy extends far beyond the impressive number of toys donated; he touched countless lives with his generosity and commitment to bringing joy to children in need.
A Life Dedicated to Giving: From Barber to Philanthropist
Alton Thacker’s journey to becoming a beacon of hope for children began humbly. Born and raised in Utah, Thacker spent nearly three decades as a barber, owning and operating Al’s Style Shop. It was a trip to Mexico with a longtime customer to donate eyeglasses that ignited his passion for charitable work. This experience, shared with his wife Cheryl, sparked a deep desire to help others, leading to regular trips to Casas Grandes, Mexico, laden with toys, clothing, medical supplies, and more. In 1996, this unwavering commitment culminated in the founding of Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids.
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Tiny Tim’s Foundation: A Global Mission of Joy
Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids operates on a simple yet powerful principle: every child deserves a toy. Thacker, often referred to as a “year-round Santa Claus,” dedicated his life to making and distributing thousands of wooden cars each year. These simple toys brought immeasurable joy to children in over 110 countries, including Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and countless local hospitals and homeless shelters. Thacker’s vision transcended geographical boundaries, reaching children in some of the most underserved communities around the globe. The foundation’s impact is perhaps best summarized by Thacker’s own words: “For too many kids, one of our little wooden cars is the only toy they’ll ever get.”
Building a Legacy: Volunteers and the “Tiny Tim’s Workshop”
What began in Thacker’s garage eventually blossomed into a much larger operation. The Tiny Tim’s workshop became a hub of community involvement, attracting volunteers from all walks of life. Retirees, people with disabilities, Boy Scouts, and even inmates at the Central Utah Correctional Facility contributed their time and skills to crafting the wooden vehicles. This diverse group, united by a common purpose, helped Thacker realize his dream of bringing smiles to children’s faces worldwide. Wade Bender, a dedicated volunteer, perfectly captured the essence of Thacker’s character, stating, “He wasn’t a rich man by any means at all—that didn’t mean anything to him. His whole purpose was: ‘Hey, what can I do for other people?’”
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Carrying the Torch: A Family’s Commitment to Continuing the Mission
In 2022, Alton Thacker entrusted the future of Tiny Tim’s Foundation to his daughter, Ashley Krause, and granddaughter, Emilee Johnson. This transition ensures that Thacker’s legacy of giving will continue to thrive for generations to come. Emilee, reflecting on her grandfather’s influence, shared, “I mean, not every grandpa does this, right? Where they have this incredible legacy…This is just what we did, it’s how we spent Christmas, it’s how we spent our time.” The foundation’s official statement echoed this sentiment: “Alton spent the last 28 years bringing joy to countless children and bringing people together from all walks of life to join him in his cause… ‘If you want to be happy, do something for somebody else.’ We are proud to carry on his legacy and committed to ensuring that for generations to come.”
Remembering Alton Thacker: A Life Well-Lived
Alton Thacker’s life was a testament to the power of kindness and the profound impact a single individual can have on the world. He leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and a profound commitment to making a difference in the lives of children. Thacker is survived by his wife of 71 years, Cheryl, his sister Anna Lee Mathews, seven children, 27 grandchildren, and 63 great-grandchildren. His memory will live on not only in their hearts but also in the hearts of the millions of children whose lives he touched with his simple wooden cars. Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids stands as a lasting tribute to his unwavering belief in the power of giving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alton Thacker and Tiny Tim’s Foundation
What is Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids?
Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids is a non-profit organization founded by Alton Thacker that donates handcrafted wooden toy cars to children in need around the world.
How many toys has Tiny Tim’s Foundation donated?
The foundation has donated over 1.7 million toy cars to children in over 110 countries.
Who are the current leaders of Tiny Tim’s Foundation?
Alton Thacker’s daughter, Ashley Krause, and granddaughter, Emilee Johnson, took over leadership of the foundation in 2022.
How can I get involved with Tiny Tim’s Foundation?
Information on volunteering or donating to Tiny Tim’s Foundation can be found on their official website.
What is Alton Thacker’s legacy?
Alton Thacker’s legacy is one of selfless service and a commitment to bringing joy to children in need. He demonstrated the power of simple acts of kindness to make a profound difference in the world.
