Woodcraft Marks 20th Year of Turn for Troops National Turn-a-Thon

Troops like these have received wooden pens as gifts of appreciation from Woodcraft volunteers since 2004.

PARKERSBURG, W.VA. (November 2023) National woodworking retailer Woodcraft will mark two decades of sponsoring its Turn for Troops Turn-a-Thon on November 4 and 5 at participating retail locations across the country. Please check with your local store, as participation dates and times may vary.

Each year around Veterans Day, Woodcraft stores provide the space, tools and materials for woodturners of all skill levels to stop by and make a pen or two on the lathe. Since 2004, volunteers of all ages have crafted more than 236,000 wooden pens through the annual event.

Pens are distributed free of charge to active-duty military troops, rehabilitating service members and veterans’ groups.

“Even after 20 years, we know this program is still meaningful for both the recipients and the turners. That little ‘thank you’ means so much,” Beth Coffey, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, said. “It is an honor and a privilege to facilitate the work of the volunteers as a way for all of us to show our appreciation for our Armed Forces members.” 

In 2022, 16,455 pens were turned, bringing the grand total to 236,425 since 2004. That yearly sum is the third highest since the program’s inception, behind 17,228 in 2009 and 17,097 in 2018.

No Experience Necessary

The event is open to anyone interested in saying “thank you” to US military men and women, and there is no cost involved. Pen turning is fun and easy to learn, and store personnel make the process as seamless as possible for volunteers.

Turners are encouraged to include a personal message with each pen, along with the type of wood or material used in making the pen and their contact information, if desired.

How to Participate

To participate in the Turn-a-Thon, contact the Woodcraft store nearest you for more details. 

If you do not live near a Woodcraft retail location, are unable to attend during the store event, or your store is not participating, contact Lori Harper at Woodcraft corporate headquarters – 304-865-4107 or lori_harper@woodcraft.com – to make arrangements for participating remotely. She will provide information and instructions for sending finished pens to the corporate office.

Visit this page for frequently asked questions about Turn for Troops.

For more information about Woodcraft, please contact the store nearest you, visit www.woodcraft.com or call (800) 535-4482. To learn about Woodcraft franchise opportunities, visit www.woodcraftfranchise.com or email woodcraftfranchise@woodcraft.com.