College of Engineering, Technology and Architecture first-year student John Tinelli is honored to have participated in UHart’s annual Howie’s Holiday Toy Drive. He was able to use technology to contribute in a unique way to the successful campus-wide drive to collect holiday gifts for less-fortunate children. “I heard that the university was trying to get toy donations for the local boys and girls club and I realized that I could 3D print some toys for it, and wanted to do that,” says Tinelli.
After talking with the head of the Makerspace, Dr. Asaki, he got permission to use the CETA printers for the project. Tinelli had experience in 3D printing during high school and was encouraged to exercise those skills in CETA’s lab, a part of the newest academic building on campus, the Hursey Center. “Dr. Asaki gave me UHart red filament to create everything with. It was a mostly a self-guided project,” says Tinelli. As a result, this year some lucky children will get fidget toys and T-rex dolls for Christmas, handmade by John on CETA’s 3D printer.
According to Tinelli, “Working on this project was a very heartwarming thing for me. A lot of kids don't get that many toys for Christmas and I wanted to help with the donation efforts. Even if it is a small part, I still want to play a part in that. Overall making things makes me feel happy.” He feels lucky to have been personally connected to UHart’s successful Howie's Holiday Toy Drive this holiday season and thankful to CETA for supporting his efforts.
John Tinelli, Architecture, CETAWorking on this project was a very heartwarming thing for me. A lot of kids don't get that many toys for Christmas and I wanted to help with the donation efforts. Even if it is a small part, I still want to play a part in that.