In the cherished corridors of our memories, we dedicate Poppy's Workshop as a tribute to the resilient spirit of Charles Salvador "Poppy" Ciofalo. Poppy Charles, the son of Angelo Ciofalo, serves as a symbol of inspiration—a first-generation American whose heritage connects deeply to his father and other Italian immigrants in pursuit of a brighter future in the land of opportunity.
Poppy Charles was not just a furniture builder and upholsterer; he was a craftsman of connection, passing down the art of creation to his grandson and our CEO, Richard Fairchild. Together, they forged a bond where creativity flowed. It was more than painting or woodworking; it was the transfer of skills, a legacy of craftsmanship that would manifest years later in the form of Poppy's Workshop.
The echoes of Poppy Charles and his grandson Richard's adventures in the bustling heart of 1970s Brooklyn New York, riding the subway from one end to another finally arriving at Coney Island where Nathan’s Hot-dogs and French Fries waited for them. The laughter shared on Coney Island's carousel lingers in the spirit of Poppy's Workshop.
Even in Poppy Charles' passing in 1989, the enduring legacy lives on in every hand-made wooden toy crafted. The timeless moments eating Nana's chocolate pudding or her Chicken & Matzo-ball soup, after a day deep-sea fishing, or casting lines at a lake are etched into the very essence of this organization. In every stroke of paint and every piece of wood, there is a whisper of gratitude to Poppy Charles, a master craftsman who, though no longer among us, lives on in the joy he instilled and the craftsmanship he cultivated.
This endeavor is more than a workshop; it is a heartfelt dedication to the enduring legacy of Poppy Charles and the transformative power of shared moments, laughter, and love.
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Four decades ago, amidst the halls of Sharon High School, two remarkable educators left an indelible mark on my journey. To the memory of Mr. Rebello and Mr. Marcilli, my esteemed drafting instructor and wood shop teacher, I owe a debt of gratitude that words cannot fully express.
It was under their guidance and mentorship that I first discovered the joy of design, craftsmanship, the satisfaction of hard work, and the importance of dedication. Their unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with their endless encouragement, instilled in me the skills and values that have shaped the very foundation of Poppy's Workshop.
Through their tireless efforts and passion for teaching over my 4-years at SHS, Mr. Rebello and Mr. Marcilli planted the seeds of creativity, determination, and craftsmanship that continue to blossom within me to this day. Their influence transcends time, as I carry their teachings with me in every scroll, every cut, and every toy crafted in Poppy's Workshop.
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Poppy's Workshop is registered as a "Small Batch Manufacturer" by the CPSC. As such all toys are 1st party tested for safety compliance. Although passing thorough testing, currently, all toys are not for unsupervised use for children under 3 years old.
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