At 100 years old, Harold Yoak is still busy in his garage in Garden Grove, crafting dozens of toys each year-a feat that would make Santa’s workshop blush.
A Century of Handcrafted Toys
Harold Yoak has been crafting toys in his makeshift workshop, located in his garage, for over 40 years. A retired high school biology teacher of 41 years, he says he has been handcrafting the toys and figures since leaving his job as an educator. “This has kept me out of trouble,” said Yoak.
Roots in Family and Giving
The toymaking first started with his brother, who lived in Mexico and dressed up as Santa Claus for orphanages and women’s retreats. “He lived there for 17 years and then for 17 years, I made two or three hundred toys to give to the Mexican kids when he went out to give their Christmas dinners,” said Roak. “So, probably 35, 40 years I’ve been making 100, 200 toys for Mexico for the kids.”
Holiday Showcase and Community Impact
The centenarian opens his garage during the Christmas season to display all his creations for those who want to pick up a one-of-a-kind gift. Roak says since being advertised, he’s sold more in one weekend than he has in the last four or five years. “I can’t believe he does that still, you know, makes these things with his hands. It’s so creative and artistic,” said a Garden Grove neighbor.
The garage has become a local holiday attraction, drawing visitors who admire Yoak’s dedication and craftsmanship. The article was reported by photojournalist Mark Mehlinger for the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Dec. 19, 2025.
Published December 19, 2025 • Updated December 20, 2025 at 8:43 pm
Key Takeaways
- Harold Yoak, 100, crafts dozens of toys annually from his garage in Garden Grove.
- He has been making toys for Mexican children for 35-40 years, producing 100-200 toys each year.
- His holiday showcase has outpaced sales from the previous four or five years in a single weekend.
Harold Yoak’s lifelong passion for toymaking shows that age is no barrier to creativity and generosity, and his work continues to bring joy to countless children and neighbors alike.
