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Happening ... in the Local Church
 Father
Stang |
By Caroline B. Mooney
The Catholic Moment
RENSSELAER — Thousands of local children have received a little more
Christmas for nearly 20 years thanks to the toy repair efforts of Father
William Stang, CPPS.
A faculty member of Saint Joseph’s College since 1977, Father Stang became
faculty moderator of the Gallagher Charitable Society in 1987. One of the
society’s annual projects is a Christmas party for needy area children.
Each year, children at the party receive a new toy from Santa Claus.
“When kids get one toy, they don’t always like it, so I wanted a way to give
them another toy,” Father Stang said. “Saint Joseph students go to the main
effort of buying new toys, and I try to match those with a second set of
repaired toys.”
He shops for used toys that can be repaired with minimum work to give out at
the party. He readies about 200 to 250 toys for the event so children have a
good selection.
“I look for toys that would cost $12 to $20 if they were new, so the kids
are not just getting a little stuffed bear,” he said.
He shops at garage sales and toy store outlets.
“But, I find most of the toys at Goodwill,” he said. “You can get a whole
bunch there at one fell swoop. I usually get toys that need little or no
repair other than cleaning or some touch-up paint (non-leaded, of course).
Sometimes I fix a wheel. If it’s a Barbie doll or a Cabbage Patch doll, I
often have to find clothes for them. You can find packages of clothing to
dress several Barbie dolls. I find that if I shop enough I can find what I
need.
“I put my repaired toys on a big table and kids can choose what they want. I
have done more each year as the party keeps expanding. It makes getting toys
more interesting.”
The refurbished toys are Father Stang’s donation to the party.
“Several employees at Saint Joseph’s College also bring me toys,” he said.
“I collect the toys throughout the year. I’ve already gotten some for next
year.”