Home Depot Employees On 'Team Depot' Rehab Apartments for Veterans
NEW BEDFORD (CBS) -- Volunteering their time to help veterans: it's a project that took only a day, but makes a permanent difference. On Tuesday, about 30 Home Depot employees pitched in to rehab the Veteran's Transition House in New Bedford, and they told us they're getting as much as they're giving.
"Team Depot" swoops in with people power and supplies, and leaves the place a lot better than they found it.
"We're doing two kitchens and also painting a bedroom, a living room and a kitchen, too," says David Rocha, a Home Depot manager.
The Home Depot employees come from 10 stores and are giving their own time to renovate two apartments at the Veteran's Transition House, an agency helping vets with housing and other services.
"I really appreciate what they're doing to help out the veterans," says Chuck Hamm, whose apartment is getting a face-lift. "Things are looking up because I came here with 17 cents in my pocket and now I'm doing OK," he says.
It's part of a nationwide effort by people who work for Home Depot. The company donates materials, cabinets and appliances, and the team does the rest.
"I feel like it's always good to give back and volunteer, especially for those who served," says Travis Young as he paints a kitchen.
"It's just an opportunity for me to give back," adds Taylor Tocchio.
"It does mean a lot for these people. It gets me teary-eyed when I do stuff like that because some of the veterans really, really need it," says Mitch Richardson as he installs a new sink.
And it's work the agency that runs the house might not be able to do on its own.
"This project would cost over $10,000 if we had to come out-of-pocket, so it's a big help for us," says Brian Conceicao, the director of the house.