Home Depot grant improves California post

Over the past several years, The American Legion has formed a strong alliance with the Home Depot Foundation to improve the lives of veterans by repairing homes for Legion members in need or by updating fixtures and appliances in posts. Last year during National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., the Home Depot Foundation announced that it is dedicating no less than $1 million for American Legion projects throughout the country. Since the generous announcement, several posts have benefited from the grants available.

The list of items that needed repaired or replaced at American Legion Post 555 in Midway City, Calif., exceeded what the post could afford. Then post members recalled the generosity that The Home Depot Foundation dedicated to the Legion last summer at National Convention and applied for a grant in March, which was approved.

The grant enabled the post to update its kitchen, replace windows, install air conditioning, and more. Volunteers from the Westminster, Calif., Home Depot and veterans and their families from Post 555 completed the remodel in less than three weeks. A formal dedication was held in April at the post and members presented a "thank you" plaque to volunteers from the Home Depot store in Westminster.

"That fact that Home Depot was willing to step up and help an organization like ours is phenomenal," said Post Commander Jim Sewell. "Financially, there is no way we could do this by ourselves."

With funds available to support our American Legion posts and members, I encourage you to apply. It’s not just an opportunity to positively impact a post home or a Legionnaires life; it’s an opportunity to bring together a community for the good of our veterans.

There are two options for applying for the funds:

1. Community Impact Grants provide up to $5,000 in The Home Depot gift cards for any project to be completed by The American Legion and/or community volunteers. Team Depot volunteers are not involved in these projects, but these grants are a great option for engaging your Legionnaires and community.
2. Team Depot Grants fund volunteer projects that utilize Team Depot, The Home Depot’s associate-led volunteer force, along with volunteers from your American Legion post.

Legionnaires can apply for both grants offered by The Home Depot Foundation, but only one at a time. It is important to note that applying for a grant does not guarantee approval.

Legionnaires are also encouraged to contact their local Home Depot stores and ask for the Team Depot captains who can assist with grant applications.

For more information, visit www.homedepotfoundation.org/page/grants.