Tools

Carving Through the Odds

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Jan 6, 2013 at 11:50 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 8, 2013 at 12:03 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. Frigid winter temperatures are upon us and needy folks in the valley are feeling the sting. One local man, who makes a living crafting wooden crosses, is facing an especially rough road ahead.

Folks who live in the Grand Valley may have seen him before. He's usually posted off Highway 6 & 50 between Chick-Fil-A and Walmart.

Every day Wendell Faircloth fulfills his passion, taking two pieces of wood and transforming them into a work of art.

"Every piece of wood got its own personality. I'm just blessed to be able to be doing what I'm doing," said Faircloth.

His art also gives him the means to get by each day, "A lot of times have a hard time picking which one they want. If I could just give them all away, if I could give a cross away to very car that stops ... maybe some day I can."

Kathie Fingerson, founder of the Warming Hands Project, said, "I was so inspired by him doing whatever it takes just to try and earn a living. Whatever you want to donate, I'll give you something I've put my soul into."

Last year Fingerson formed a bond with Faircloth, providing him some warm clothes as part of her Warming Hands mission.

"There's always one common reaction, God bless you. They're so humble and so grateful to receive just that little bit of warmth, just that smile, that compassion," she said.

This winter cold temperatures have scarred Faircloth's most precious tools, his hands.

"Weather got down to 20s and I got my gloves wet, 3:00 in the morning I woke up and my hands was on fire. They want to amputate three fingers and one toe," Faircloth said.

However, even frostbite can't keep him down.

"Oh I could make crosses if I didn't have nothing but my mouth," said Faircloth.

"You can tell that when he made it he put love into it and it radiates that in my home. I really feel grateful for having met him and having known him," Fingerson said.

This winter Faircloth will continue surviving off warmth from his crosses and helping hands.

Warming Hands organizer say the winter cold came sooner than they expected and they need more donations. For drop-off locations, check out their Facebook page here.

Faircloth can be reached at (970) 778-6312 for potential job opportunities.

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Sara Rapp said on Monday, Jan 7 at 2:40 PM

Thank you for this feature & for helping Mr. Faircloth. :)

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