In San Antonio, a retired Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, John Faultersack, is bringing joy to foster children this Christmas season by crafting handmade wooden toys. The 79-year-old has transformed his backyard workshop into a festive haven, where he spends his days creating toys that he hopes will bring smiles to children’s faces.
Faultersack’s journey began over a decade ago when he decided to use his woodworking skills to support children served by CASA. “I started tinkering around the shop and some toys came out,” he shared with a laugh. “The wood talks to me once in a while and tells me what it wants to be.” Although he no longer advocates for foster children in the courtroom, his commitment to their well-being remains strong.
Crafting Joy for Children
Each year, Faultersack dedicates his time to building old-fashioned wooden toys, using scrap materials that might otherwise go to waste. “I’ll have wood scraps lying around, and the result is, ‘Oh, that’s a car,’” he explained. For him, this creative process is not just about making toys; it is about giving back. “Do what you can while you can and give back. Pay it back. Pay it forward,” he added.
During the Christmas season, Faultersack looks forward to delivering his handcrafted toys to the CASA office. “The staff really seems to love them,” he remarked, chuckling at the thought of how the staff enjoy playing with the toys. “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.”
A Lasting Impact on Foster Children
Faultersack’s time as a CASA volunteer has left a lasting impression on him. “Watching out for them, almost being that surrogate parent,” he said, reflecting on his experiences. He emphasized the importance of CASA’s mission and the need for more volunteers to support the organization. “CASA could do so much more if they had more volunteers. They do good work there, and we need to support them when we can.”
His passion for crafting toys serves as a reminder of the joy that giving can bring, especially during the holiday season. As Faultersack continues to create, he remains dedicated to making a difference in the lives of foster children, one wooden toy at a time. “It’s part of the joy of seeing things take shape and knowing maybe somebody else will enjoy them,” he said, embodying the spirit of generosity that defines the season.
