Artisan’s Tribute: Custom Caskets For Uvalde Shooting Victims Remembered

“These weren’t just caskets. They were celebrations of each child’s life,” Ganem said. “We listened to their families, laughed and cried with them, and turned their stories into something beautiful to honor their loved ones.”

Each casket told its own story: A vibrant Superman emblem for a child who loved superheroes, a playful dinosaur scene, and even a TikTok-inspired design. The caskets were crafted with the help of Cherokee Casket Company in Georgia, who donated the child-sized caskets, and a community of volunteers who sanded, painted, and delivered them.

Over three and a half days, Ganem and his team completed 19 caskets in time for the first funerals, held for 10-year-olds Amerie Jo Garza and Maite Rodriguez. As families said their final goodbyes, Ganem’s work became a symbol of compassion and care during an otherwise unbearable time.

“It was an emotional experience for all of us,” Ganem shared. “We hugged, we cried, and we poured every ounce of love into these creations. It’s humbling to know we could offer a little light amid such darkness.”

The Uvalde tragedy has left an indelible mark on Texas and the nation, but in these small acts of kindness, hope continues to shine.