ENFIELD — Combat Feathers Corporation’s 8th annual Craft and Vendor Fair will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Enfield Elks Lodge at 138 North Maple St. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event will have 29 crafters and one vendor, Tastefully Simple.
Attendees will be able to see some homemade and unique wood crafts, ornaments, paintings, crochets, jewelry and much more. All proceeds from table rentals and raffles are going directly to help local veterans in need.
Founder Linda Perry stated, “We hope to help out at least two to three families with Christmas items or a Christmas dinner. Whatever we make goes directly to veterans.”
Perry added, “We have a real loyal crowd that comes out to see us. We have a lot of veterans and their families that come specifically knowing that this is something that benefits veterans.”
Founded in 2014, Combat Feathers Corporation is a nonprofit that provides emergency financial assistance to veterans and service members in need.
“The mission of Combat Feathers is to protect those who have protected us,” said Perry. “Our vision is to make sure that veterans in the state of Connecticut get the financial assistance they need to live a meaningful and productive life as possible for them and their families.”
Perry’s son Daniel was injured on Feb. 22, 2006, by an IED explosion. He was termed polytrauma because he had injuries to his skeleton, several organs and a traumatic brain injury. Daniel was not expected to survive, let along walk or talk.
While Daniel made a remarkable recovery, he still needs assistance day to day. Perry and her husband have learned to be strong advocates for him to get him the benefits he needs and is entitled to. What she noticed was that there were a lot of veterans with no advocates and having a hard time finding an answer to their financial affairs.
Being the parent of a veteran and knowing the struggles her son has gone through financially, Perry wanted to put something together that was easy for veterans to apply to, so that they don’t have to go through so much paperwork.
Perry works with the Newington VA and the New Haven VA to obtain referrals for veterans who need financial assistance.
“I want people to know that they’ve helped a veteran,” said Perry. “By attending our show and buying from our crafters, they get to do some Christmas shopping and help veterans at the same time.”
For questions, contact Perry at lperryatcombatfeathers@yahoo.com or at 860-593-5331.
