Garden Grove WWII vet, 101, marks birthday crafting toys for neighborhood kids

Hal Yoak, a 101-year-old World War II veteran and former teacher, celebrated his milestone birthday in Garden Grove this year much as he has spent his retirement — handcrafting wooden toys in his garage and giving them to neighborhood children, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

Yoak's annual toy sales have drawn growing crowds to his Garden Grove home — with neighbors lining up even after toys sold out just to be photographed with the centenarian — a show of community affection that underscores how one person's simple hobby can forge lasting bonds in a neighborhood.

Yoak, a retired teacher and World War II veteran, told ABC7 Los Angeles his toy-making life began without ceremony. "I just took it day by day, and sat in the garage and made toys," he said.

His giving policy is straightforward. "If they come with a parent, I give them a toy; if they come by themselves then I take the money," Yoak said. The wooden vehicles he builds are designed for young visitors to choose themselves. "I like to make cars and trucks, things that I can give the little boys, I let them pick out whatever they want," he told ABC7.

For Yoak, the act of giving is the point. "I think being able to give the kids toys, whatever they want ... if their parent is with them, they can pick out whatever they like, and that's a real reward," he said.

His daughter and caregiver, Lisa Huffman, said the community response has grown well beyond what the family expected. "Extremely surprised, and mind-boggling," she told ABC7, describing turnout at the annual sales. Even after the toys ran out, the crowds lingered. "They were still in line, without a toy or anything, just to take a picture with him, just to be with him," Huffman said.

Yoak plans to hold another toy sale before the end of 2026, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

Asked about reaching 101, Yoak kept his answer brief. "Well number one, I'm still here," he said.