LITHIA, Fla. — Donnie Dewey is a Marine Corps veteran, a man dedicated to serving and helping others.
When the Lithia family man injured his right hand in a gruesome woodworking accident not long ago, he was laid low.
"It was very difficult to overcome," Dewey says.
Donnie works for Randstad, a good corporate gig. He didn't need to enter his home workshop again. It was a hobby.
But that's exactly where this husband and father went to recover both mentally and physically.
Although the talented carpenter works slower, smarter these days, Donnie has found a beautiful cause to rehab his hand and help others get through these tough times.
"My stepmother works for Mango Elementary," says Dewey. "It seemed like an area and a school where I might have the opportunity to support kids who might not have desk."
Families were struggling, times were tough. He wanted to help.
So Donnie is making gorgeous pinewood desks for students at the Seffner school who are currently e-learning at home.
He's made 23 desks so far.
He wants to make 100.
The idea came from an inspiring story he read, but Donnie is taking his do-gooding to all new levels.
"I wanted to make something that's nice," Dewey says. "I've rounded every edge on these desks so they're safe. I put a piano hinge on the back so the lid would actually lift and close consistently."
To find out more about Donnie's Community Desk Project, click here.