Honoring those who served: Crafts for Courage

A local American Legion Post in Northwest Florida transformed a meeting hall for the morning’s presentation. Patriotic decorations crafted with Crafts That Care’s red, white, and blue supplies adorned the walls, while handmade thank-you cards from local school children covered a display table.

“Our ‘Crafts for Courage’ initiative brings together veterans, their families, and community members in a powerful way,” said Robert Sterling, the post’s commander. “We host monthly cornhole tournaments where teams compete on boards decorated with Crafts That Care custom decals, while volunteers create care packages, welcome home signs and memorial tributes between games.”

The $18,000 check will fund the post’s emergency assistance program, helping veterans facing unexpected financial hardships. The money covers rent, utilities and transportation costs for families in crisis. “What moves me most is watching Vietnam veterans working alongside Iraq War veterans, all together and sharing their stories,” said Patricia Hayes, the post’s auxiliary president. “These sessions become healing circles, connected by creativity and service.”

The year-long partnership has produced over 500 care packages for deployed service members, each containing handmade items alongside necessities. Local elementary students had created hundreds of thank-you cards using Crafts That Care’s patriotic stickers and cardstock.

“This donation represents more than money,” Commander Sterling said, his voice steady with emotion. “It represents a community that refuses to forget those who served. Every veteran who receives assistance will know they’re not alone.”