A generous helping hand turned a mar on Sequim’s annual civic festival into a feel-good story.

Members of Carlsborg VFW Post 6787 were handing out VFW poppies and collecting donations at the Sequim Safeway during the Sequim Irrigation Festival Grand Parade in May, when the donation jar — along with about $200 — was stolen from the table.

Police were able to respond, get a license plate number and identify the thief, VFW members said, but the culprit was not apprehended and money was not recovered.

Safeway Store Director Joe Barton was quick to step in, and after contacting the company’s corporate headquarters gave $200 in Safeway gift cards to the Post.

Commander Rod Lee, along with other Post members, were presented the cards which will be distributed to veterans in need through the Post’s service office.

“This gesture goes so much more than ‘above and beyond’ and is a testament to how good people can be,” Lee said.

”We assumed that the funds were gone and were ready to ‘move on’ when Joe called with the donation. It was such a surprise and we cannot be more thankful and humbled by Safeway’s generosity and the caring of Joe Barton. We will be forever grateful for this support of our veterans.”

Post meetings are held at Mariner’s Cafe on the third Saturday of each month at 11 a.m.; new members are always welcome.

For more information about Carlsborg VFW Post 6787, call Lee at 360-683-4617.