PARKERSBURG, W.Va., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- For a fourth year, Woodcraft stores nationwide will conduct the Turn for TROOPS handmade pen turn-a-thon program during Veteran's Day Weekend, Saturday November 10, 2007, with the goal of making and then sending thousands of handcrafted pens to American service personnel actively deployed overseas. The public is encouraged to participate and can identify a store near them by visiting http://www.woodcraft.com/.
"With the help of our customers and local communities, we were able to create more than 23,000 pens during our 2004-2006 turn-a-thon events," said Jeff Forbes, president of Woodcraft Supply LLC. "Woodcraft stores nationwide had hundreds of people --- many of whom were first-time turners --- donate their time and talents to creating pens for our troops. We hope to beat last year's number so that even more soldiers can receive pens as a constant reminder that people back home remember and appreciate their efforts."
According to Forbes, pen turning is one of the fastest and easiest woodworking skills to learn and enjoy. It requires few supplies, a small amount of workspace and produces relatively fast results. A first pen project takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but after creating a few pens this time can drop down to just 15 minutes each. "Using basic lathe skills," Forbes said, "anyone can produce a good quality pen for our troops quickly."
Peter Parker, Woodcraft's administrator for the Turn for TROOPS program said, "We've received amazing participation from both woodworkers and non- woodworkers and I would encourage the public's participation in this effort. Not only does this remind our servicemen and women that we care deeply about them, but it is also a great activity for parents to share with their children."
Most of the 80 Woodcraft stores and Woodworkers Clubs nationwide are expected to participate in the Veteran's Day Weekend turn-a-thon. Berea Hardwoods, the pen kit supplier, has agreed to donate 1,000 pen kits to help jumpstart the event.
Since the program's beginning in January 2004, more than 67,000 customized pens have been created and sent to members of the armed forces on a regular basis. The all-volunteer effort was originally launched by members of the SawMill Creek Woodworkers Forum through the Freedom Pens Project.
CONTACT: Bryan Brown of Brown Communications LLC, 1-304-546-5500, for
Woodcraft
Web site: http://www.woodcraft.com/
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