Veteran parade-goer becomes participant, thanks to community's helping hands

ALTON — Norman Crawford, a veteran who lives in Alton, had one request: to go to the Alton Old Home Day parade. His wish, and more, came true.

A Facebook post by Helping Hands for the Lakes Region, a local nonprofit that helps seniors and disabled adults, connected Crawford with a ride to Alton Old Home Day last weekend, and he even got to ride on the American Legion parade float.

“It was pretty awesome how it worked out. He got to not only be at the parade but in the parade,” said Sarah Stone, co-founder of Helping Hands for the Lakes Region.

After Helping Hands put up the post, the Alton Business Association reached out, connecting Helping Hands with American Legion Post 72.

According to Stone, Crawford, who is disabled, has made several requests over the years, such as trips to the store and post office.

Crawford was picked up at his house by a member of the American Legion, and then invited to participate in the parade aboard the American Legion's float.

“I had a blast. It was a bunch of fun,” said Crawford. “People we hollered at had some fun. We did our job.”

Stone, along with Erika Willette, started Helping Hands for the Lakes Region in March 2020 at the beginning of the COVID pandemic to help support seniors. The nonprofit does grocery runs and medication pickups, and provides rides to medical appointments. It also has two large storage units where they store medical equipment, among other services.

“I have had lots of cases to call Helping Hands. I have doctor appointments and dentist appointments. I find Helping Hands to be a terrific service. They’ll find you somebody to give you a ride no matter what. God bless them. They’re great people,” said Crawford.