Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- With Independence Day just around the corner, children got a head start honoring those who have fought for our country.
Craft store A.C. Moore hosted a crafting event for kids where they made cards for veterans here in the Midlands and patriotic shirts to take home.
The children put their hands and hearts to work for the project.
"Because they're fighting to keep our country safe," said 10-year-old Ragan Mathias.
"Because they protect us," added her younger sister 7-year-old Madison.
Brandie Mathias thought it would be great for her girls to get in the patriotic spirit.
"The kids were really excited and they wanted to come out here and do it and I thought it would be a great opportunity and something to do some they're not just bored sitting around the house," she said.
5-year-old Wesley Wilson colored a card with pride, and a special person who just returned home in mind, his Uncle Bubba, a member of the U.S. Army.
"They gotta save people, and they gotta fight," he said.
Here and across the country, kids will work to collect 10,000 cards for veterans.
Audry Grant helped the kids make their creations, she says the projects are about more than crafts.
"It's important to get the kids out the house, and to make sure they're using their minds, and their creative ability everyday so they're confident in themselves," said Grant.
Leaving a great feeling for the children and those who have served our country.
Those cards will be sent to different veterans' hospitals along the East coast.
A.C. Moore will hold other craft activities on Wednesdays throughout the summer.