Woodcraft to Host Third Annual Veteran's Day Freedom Pens Project Turn-A-Thon

PARKERSBURG, W.Va., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- For a second year, Woodcraft stores nationwide will support the Freedom Pens Project by hosting turn-a- thons during Veteran's Day, Saturday November 11, 2006. Handcrafted pens will be sent to thousands of American servicemen and women actively deployed overseas after the event.

"In 2004 and 2005 there were over 15,000 pens created during turn-a-thons at Woodcraft stores," according to Jeff Forbes, president of Woodcraft Supply, LLC. "Our stores had hundreds of people --- many who were first-time turners -- donate their time and talents to creating pens for our troops. We hope to beat that number this year so that even more soldiers can receive pens as a constant reminder that people back home remember and appreciate their efforts."

The collected pens will immediately be distributed to U.S. troops overseas through the organization's founder, SawMill Creek. Since the program's beginning in January of 2004, more than 59,000 customized pens have been created and sent to members of the armed forces on a regular basis. The all- volunteer effort was launched by members of the SawMill Creek Woodworkers Forum as a way to remind troops far from home that they are not alone.

"Each time one of our handmade writing instruments is used by a military person overseas to write a letter home, it's a symbol of our support that the people of America care deeply about them," says Keith Outten, project administrator for the Freedom Pens Project.

"Many Woodcraft stores participated in turn-a-thons the last two years," according to Keith Outten, who is also the Saw Mill Creek administrator. "The company's determination to increase its involvement nationally is greatly appreciated and should serve as a catalyst for the creation of even more pens for our troops."

As the first national sponsor of Freedom Pens Project, Woodcraft has worked closely with organization leaders to publicize the group's goals and help strengthen the donation effort. "We've been fortunate that our pen kit supplier, Berea Hardwoods, has agreed to donate a thousand pen kits to help with this event," says Forbes. "Their efforts will help make it easier to reach our goal of 10,000 pens during the turn-a-thon events."

Most of the 80+ Woodcraft stores and Woodworkers Clubs nationwide are expected to participate in the Veteran's Day turn-a-thon.

To help in the effort or for more information on the Freedom Pens Project, visit http://www.freedompens.org/, or contact your local Woodcraft store.

Woodcraft Supply, LLC is the industry's leading retailer of top quality woodworking supplies, materials and tools. The company sells products through direct-mail catalogs, an on-line web site (located at http://www.woodcraft.com/) and at more than 80 retail stores located nationwide. For more information on Woodcraft and the store in your area, call 800-535-4482.