Dealer Profiles

Dumas Lumber Keeping Youngsters Engaged

Maleeyah displays her watermelon and cactus.
Maleeyah displays her watermelon and cactus.»

In a time when businesses large and small are having to adjust and innovate as they navigate through the pandemic, some have found a way to give back to the youngest members of their community.

When the spread of COVID-19 caused her to halt her monthly KidsWorks DIY workshops in the store, Manager Melissa Turner of Dumas Lumber Company in Dumas, Texas, wanted to find a way to continue teaching local youngsters (and potential future customers) about woodworking. Her solution was to create take-home kits for parents, giving them a fun and enriching activity to do with their child.

Lyla shows off her watermelon, cactus and pineapple.
Lyla shows off her watermelon, cactus and pineapple.»

The community response would have nearly overwhelmed Turner were it not for the dependable volunteers helping her assemble and distribute the kits. After the Do it Best member donated 15 gallons of paint, 800 paint brushes and bags, Turner was able to distribute more than 400 kits in just under three weeks.

Each child’s project kit comes with:

  • A CNC router-cut 9” wood shape
  • Picture of a completed project for reference
  • Color chart for mixing primary colors
  • Simple instructions
  • Sandpaper
  • Twine
  • Paint brushes
  • Several small containers of paint

Turner could not have done this without volunteers, including Lyla and Lincoln Gorham. Along with a local pastor, they spent several hours pouring paint into 2-ounce containers.

Lyla and Lincoln Gorham were among the volunteers who helped Dumas Lumber to continue its KidsWorks projects.
Lyla and Lincoln Gorham were among the volunteers who helped Dumas Lumber to continue its KidsWorks projects.»

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