Publisher’s Perspective

By Tim Douglass, Publisher of the Pope County Tribune

This newspaper has published news stories in the past about Wood-n-Hearts, a local organization that provides furniture to persons who served in the U.S. military and are in need of assistance to improve the quality of their lives.

It is a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that was founded by Mark and Susan Schuler, now of Glenwood.  The husband-wife team began their journey together in 2019 to help veterans who served the country and have challenges adjusting back to civilian life.  The Minnewaska Rotary Club recently visited the workshop and offices of Wood-n-Hearts.  It was an impressive visit.

Mark told us he saw this need for help on transition from war to civilian life when his brother returned from Vietnam.  Mark was 10 years old at the time, and although his family was thrilled to have him home, the didn’t understand what he’d been through and the sacrifices he made…  He said his brother struggled to return to a normalized life.

“Many others who served our country have their own heartfelt stories to tell,” Mark said recently. “We believe someone should care how our veterans sleep at night and we wanted to do our part to make sure they sleep well.”

  The goal of Wood-n-Hearts is to purchase and deliver as many USA-made quality bedroom sets of furniture to our veterans in need as possible.  “Wood-n-Hearts is supported through private, public and corporate donations,” Mark stated.

It was apparent during Rotary’s visit to the shop how well organized and committed the Schulers are to their cause.  The shop puts out a twin bed frame, including a dresser and night stand, that are delivered to veterans at Eagle’s Nest in Sauk Center.  The bedroom sets are unique because when the veterans leave the Eagle’s Nest, they take the set with them and have something familiar in a new home or apartment.

The Schulers have received good support from the community and we hope  that will continue and even increase as they expand to help more and more deserving veterans.  There is a fundraiser event this Saturday at Captains Bar & Grill.  It starts at 3 p.m.  Next year will mark the first year the event will be moved to the Schuler property on Highway 55.  That’s the location of the offices and the wood shop where all the furniture is built.  The event will expand next year because there will be more room for activities.  Watch for coverage of that event next summer.

Meanwhile, area residents can attend this year’s event at Captains, purchase a raffle ticket and/or donate to the cause of helping our returning veterans.