COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP, MI – The leaky roof at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6252 in Comstock Township is fixed and the post has gotten some overdue renovations thanks to a grant and volunteer help from Home Depot.
Roof problems were allowing water to leak inside the VFW hall, damaging ceiling tiles and walls, according to Men's Auxiliary member Dan Moore the VFW. Last winter, carpets were soaked by melted snow and ice.
After the winter weather subsided, Moore took a trip to the Home Depot in Portage, where a store employee overheard him talking about the repairs needed at the VFW hall.
"We were out buying materials, whining about our problem, and they suggested we apply for a grant," Moore said.
He wrote a letter to Home Depot's corporate office in Atlanta, applied for a grant, and six weeks later learned it had been approved. Suddenly, the VFW had $8,500 to spend on much-needed repairs and renovations.
"It was fantastic," Moore said. "(Home Depot) really supports the vets. It was uplifting."
Home Depot has provided $80 million worth of aid over the last five years for veterans, according to the Home Depot Foundation website. Home Depot associates who dub themselves 'Team Depot' volunteer their time and talents to help with the work.
In Comstock, the grant money has gone toward buying new ceiling tiles, insulation, vents for the roof, paint, and other materials. On Monday, Oct. 20, a two-month renovation was expected to come to an end, with about 20 Team Depot volunteers putting the finishing touches on the post by replacing the ceiling tiles.