By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
What started as a hobby for Dan Bullock – using his woodworking skills to create handcrafted items to auction for locals groups and charities – has grown into Wood for Good, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has partnered with the town to donate flag display cases to family members of veterans.
“Being able to use our skills to give back is a privilege,” said Bullock, a North Attleborough resident and president of Wood for Good. “Through our partnership with the town’s Veterans Services, we’re proud to honor those who served and strengthen our community simultaneously.”
The first display case Bullock crafted was for the flag he received at the funeral of his father, a Korean War veteran. With many friends and family members who have served – and now his own son, who has joined the Marine Corps – Bullock described his connection to the veteran community as “something he’s been plugged into for a very long time.”
“We started realizing that there’s an awful lot of folks out there who have flags from members of their families, and they’re sitting in a drawer somewhere,” said Bullock. “So we decided to start building display cases and giving them away.”
About a year ago, Bullock connected with Scott Smith, North Attleborough’s veterans agent, to expand his flag case distribution. Wood for Good has produced and donated over 100 cases, with more than half donated to the Veterans Services office.
“This partnership has been an incredible way to recognize the sacrifices of our veterans and their families,” said Smith. “Wood for Good’s craftsmanship and generosity ensure these families’ flags receive the respect they deserve.”
While Bullock and his group still craft for nonprofits – such as a custom-built guitar auctioned to benefit the Greater Attleboro Council for Children – the flag display cases make up the majority of his workload. Of the 20 flag cases his organization builds each month, between 10 and 15 are delivered to Smith for distribution to local families and funeral homes.
“Scott has been a tremendous distribution network for us,” said Bullock. “This thing that started off as causal has taken on a life of its own.”
Wood for Good received nonprofit status this summer and held its first official fundraiser to a packed house at Angle Tree Brewery on Sunday, Nov. 2.
Bullock said the organization runs solely off donations to purchase materials and supplies. He credited Bristol Glass Corporation of Attleboro for supplying the glass for the cases, free of charge – a local business he called “a fantastic company run by a fantastic human”.
Along with Bullock, three volunteers help with the woodworking process: Hank Boschen, Mark Longchamps and Paul Pasqual. Jean Bullock serves as treasurer and Kristyn Dillon as secretary.
Bullock shared a story about a local woman who contacted him to purchase two flag display cases – one for her father’s flag, a World War II veteran, and one for her grandfather, a World War I veteran. Both flags had been sitting in storage for many years, and after Smith forwarded the woman Bullock’s contact information, she reached out to Wood for Good.
“We were honored to gift her two handcrafted cases to protect and preserve these family treasures,” said Bullock. “Moments like this remind us exactly why we do what we do.”
Community members who wish to learn more about Wood for Good, or make a tax-deductible donation, can visit its Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/WoodforgoodMA/.