In San Antonio, a retired Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is bringing joy to foster children this Christmas season through his handmade wooden toys. John Faultersack, 79, has dedicated his time to crafting these toys in a small workshop located in his backyard, transforming what might appear to be just another outbuilding into a festive hub of creativity and goodwill.
Crafting Joy for Foster Children
Faultersack’s passion for woodworking began over a decade ago when he started making traditional wooden toys for children supported by CASA. “I started tinkering around the shop and some toys came out,” he recalled with a chuckle. “The wood talks to me once in a while and tells me what it wants to be.” While he no longer advocates for children in a courtroom setting, his commitment to giving back remains strong.
With each piece of wood he salvages, Faultersack finds inspiration. “I’ll have wood scraps lying around, and the result is, ‘Oh, that’s a car,’” he explained. His philosophy is simple: “Do what you can while you can and give back. Pay it back. Pay it forward.” This approach not only fills his workshop with toys but also brings smiles to the faces of children during the holiday season.
A Heartfelt Connection
Faultersack particularly enjoys the moments he spends delivering these toys to the CASA office. “The staff really seems to love them,” he said, smiling, “I don’t know about the kids. The staff plays with the toys, so I don’t know how many make it to the children.” This light-hearted comment reflects his joy in sharing his creations, even if the toys occasionally become office favorites.
Each toy is a labor of love, crafted at his own pace. “I grab bits and scraps of things that didn’t quite work out or that I was saving for something else,” he shared. The process of shaping the wood into something tangible, knowing it will bring joy to another, is what fuels his dedication. “This is my way of giving back to CASA for supporting kids who desperately need it,” he added.
Faultersack’s experience as an advocate has left a profound impact on him. “Watching out for them, almost being that surrogate parent,” he said, reflecting on his time with CASA. He believes that the organization could achieve even more with additional volunteers. “They do good work there, and we need to support them when we can.”
This Christmas, Faultersack continues to embody the spirit of giving, reminding us all of the importance of supporting those in need, especially vulnerable children in foster care. His small workshop is not just a place for toy-making; it is a beacon of hope and joy in the community.
