Where to find Buddy Poppies to support veterans services
VFW member Alan W. Martin III (left) works with three Auxiliary members at VFW Post #10376 in Marble Falls to separate bundles of Buddy Poppies in preparation for Veterans Day, November 11. Also helping out are Bev Crippen, Dan Cone, and Rose Hansen. Staff photo by Daniel Clifton
SENIOR WRITER SUZANNE FREEMAN
Separating bundles of Buddy Poppies recently at VFW Post #10376 in Marble Falls, Alan W. Martin III recalled time spent at the VA Hospital in Temple making the bright red, paper flowers.
“It was a lot of long, solitary busy work,” said the disabled veteran from Marble Falls, “but it earned us a little money.”
The materials come in three parts. The tags and petals are compressed into stacks that have to be peeled apart. The green stems are then stuck through the center hole in the flower and the tags attached.
The tags read: “’Buddy’ Poppy Wear It Proudly” on one side and “Proceeds benefit the Veterans of Foreign Wars veterans assistance programs” on the other.
The poppies are not sold, but donations are accepted. All proceeds stay in the Highland Lakes to help veterans.
“Having been a person who received some of those funds, I feel like it’s come full circle for me,” said Martin as he spread out the paper flowers. “Collecting money that goes toward helping veterans is a good thing.”
Buddy Poppies will be easy to find in Marble Falls this year, as VFW Post #10376 has added some new locations.
Tables will be set up to distribute the poppies in remembrance of fallen soldiers on Veterans Day weekend, November 8-11, at the following locations:
- Walmart Supercenter, 2700 U.S. 281
- Tractor Supply Co., 1507 U.S. 281
- Blue Bonnet Cafe, 211 U.S. 281
- Harbor Freight Tools, 3300 U.S. 281 North
- Ford & Crew Home & Hardware, 1400 Ninth St.
Poppies can be picked up any time of the year at post headquarters, 1001 Veterans Drive in Marble Falls.
VFW Post #6974 in Burnet also will distribute poppies at its headquarters, 1402 Buchanan Drive. The Burnet post distributes year-round, setting up tables at Octoberfest, the Bluebonnet Festival, and other city events.