This is a sponsored post for The Home Depot Foundation who I love dearly. Every thought, opinion, and experience is all mine.
I have traveled around to different states to participate in Home Depot service projects but this time I got to help out in my home state... Utah!
Last year the Valor House was built. It is a housing unit for Vets who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. They help the Vets with any needs they may have and help them get back on their feet so they can be self reliant again. Before we got to work on the new outdoor area, we were able to listen to one veteran's story.
After wiping a few tears away, we got right to work. They had built the pergola the day before and so this was day two of the outdoor area transformation. They stained the pergola and planter boxes, hauled away the sod that was cut out for the planter boxes, filled in the flower beds with new bark (That was my job!), filled in the boxes with dirt, planted flowers, and installed a gas grill.
Look at all that bark! The flowerbeds went all around the whole building. Even with all the pallets of bark, we ended up running out.
They had made plaques that represented the different branches of military service. They had residents from the Valor House and Vets who were HD employees hang the plaques.
Who ever thought of the idea deserves a huge pat on the back because it was the perfect addition to the pergola!
They planted flowers for now but in the spring they plan on planting vegetables. I am a huge believer in gardening. I think there is something very healing and soothing about digging in the dirt and growing your own food. I know the residents will not only enjoy the new gathering space, but the gardening as well.
And here are the Home Depot employees who volunteered their time :)
I am so thankful to be a small part of this amazing celebration of service. Serving others always brings clarity and a fresh perspective on life. Nothing brings you out of a funk or ends a pity party faster than helping others.
Check out Team Depot (The Home Depot Foundation) to see video and pictures of all the service projects going on through out the country. Also follow them on Facebook to see all the the amazing things they do for Vets!
The Home Depot Foundation partnered with bloggers such as me for their Celebration of Service program. As part of this program, I received compensation for my time. They did not tell me what to say in these posts. The Home Depot Foundation believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. The Home Depot Foundation’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.
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Ginger
What a wonderful service project! I know that is so meaningful to the Vets who will get to use that beautiful space.
Jen
This turned out so amazing, and such a good cause!
Ashlee
there isn't much better than doing service for others! what a great cause and how wonderful to help in your own community!
Angie @ CCC
Great cause! :)
Pauline Molinari
Such a great project for a great cause!
Heather Luckhurst
Wonderful project for a wonderful cause!
Nikki @ Tikkido
What a fabulous project to be a part of!
Jenna
This is such an amazing project for a wonderful cause! So cool you were a part of it!
Vanessa
What an amazing place for some amazing people!