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After leading a Veterans Day program for the past 18 years, Brown found that this year’s fifth-grade class was particularly inquisitive about the rigors of military life. Students asked pointed questions about everything from the strictness of basic training to the weight of following orders during wartime.

“They were very insightful, and they were like, ‘that has to be really hard,’” Brown recalled.

Feeling that the conversation had ended on a heavy note, she sought a way to channel their empathy into action.

“I didn’t just want to leave the conversation like that. It was not on a positive note. I was like, ‘what can I do to help these kids understand that they could help, so that they could take away that helpless feeling.’”

For the students, the project has provided a new perspective on the challenges others face.

“I’m excited because we put the money into an organization and the money is going to help veterans and stuff,” said Olivia Oldenborg, a fifth-grader at Kennedy Elementary.

Oldenborg added that the project taught the class “that not everything is super easy” and that “some other people might have more trouble than others.”

Using lids donated by Restoration Candle Company over the summer, the students turned recycled materials into over 300 unique ornaments using paint markers and ribbons.

Brown guided the students on creating high-quality art that neighbors would want to display, teaching them about color and composition. Designs range from intricate original patterns to festive symbols like snowmen and Santa’s belts. “It’s all their designs,” Brown said. “They really ran with it.”

The ornaments are being sold for $2 each at several downtown Janesville businesses:

• The Sugar Exchange, 211 W. Milwaukee St.
• Classy Rascals Children’s Boutique, 113 E. Milwaukee St.
• Raven’s Wish Gallery, 101 W. Milwaukee St.
• Mood, 105 W. Milwaukee St.
• Papa Doc’s Axe, 401 W. Milwaukee St.

The community response has been swift. Josh Van Horn, owner of The Sugar Exchange and Classy Rascals and a Marine Corps veteran who served as a radio operator in Iraq, was among the first to offer his storefronts.

“I was really eager to help these kids out,” said Van Horn. He noted that when customers see the ornaments and the printout explaining the project at the register, they “light up.” “Even if people weren’t going to buy them originally, they’ll pick up five of them for 10 bucks just to support the kids.”

Van Horn expressed that it is “really cool” to see local businesses and schools collaborating. He observed that children this age often have a natural interest in the military.

“I don’t know if it’s an appreciation or an interest or it’s just something that’s kind of different for them... and they like learning about that kind of stuff.” Both he and Brown noted that their stores sold out of their initial stock of ornaments almost immediately.

All proceeds are being donated to the Rock County Veterans Service Commission Trust. Brown decided it was important for the students to see the impact in their own backyard. The trust provides emergency financial assistance to veterans and their families who have resided in Rock County for at least 30 days, helping those facing urgent crises such as house fires or medical emergencies.

Brown consulted with board member Paul Crawford to coordinate the donation. Crawford expressed great excitement about the partnership, noting that any help for local veterans is vital.

The students, who initially set a modest fundraising goal of $100, have already more than doubled that amount. One student even told her mother she feels like a “business owner” and an “entrepreneur” now, according to Brown.

“They definitely feel empowered,” Brown said of her students. “It does something to you when people want to buy your art too... not only are they buying the things that you produce... but then we get to take this and do good in the world.”

The project’s final phase will involve the students designing a ceremonial “giant check.” Crawford has agreed to visit Kennedy Elementary so the students can present the final donation to him in person.