Did you know there are more than 18.2 million veterans in the U.S.? They come from all walks of life and each faces a different set of circumstances when they return home to civilian life. To help where it’s needed, Team Depot volunteers thousands of hours every year to thank the nation’s heroes for everything they’ve done.
Since 2011, The Home Depot Foundation has improved more than 45,000 veteran homes and invested more than $315 million in veteran causes, putting the organization on track to meeting the commitment of half-a-billion dollars by 2025.
Fall marks the Foundation’s annual campaign known as Celebration of Service (COS) to serve veterans, and today, the kick-off campaign begins nationwide. Now through Veterans Day, the organization plans to complete around 600 projects over the next seven weeks.
“It’s about The Home Depot joining together as a family, side by side, to show our associates and veterans how much we appreciate their service,” says Joe Wimberley, senior manager of Team Depot.
The Northern division kicked off Celebration of Service in Maryland where associates partnered with Baltimore Station to beautify, repair and update their facilities. Baltimore Station is a residential and outpatient treatment program that houses 130 veterans working towards regaining self-sufficiency. One of the ways to reach self-sufficiency is through a resident softball team that plays other veteran organizations. The Foundation helped with the field’s landscaping and maintenance to enhance the facility’s look. Now, the Baltimore Station softball team will be ready to take on the traveling Army softball team.
Projects like this one may seem like a small contribution, but to the veterans living in these communities, they leave a lasting impact. From repairing veterans’ homes to supporting nonprofits, The Home Depot Foundation is proud to celebrate those who’ve served.
