He said Home Depot donated about $5,000 in products and $3,500 in labor to install the light fixtures, toilets and countertops.
The American Legion never could have afforded to make such improvements, Gomia said, and even if it could, it would have taken members weeks to complete.
The newly-installed LED lights will last 100,000 hours, Gomia said, which will save the Legion money previously used to replace traditional bulbs.
“They did a wonderful job,” Gomia said of the 16 volunteers, 11 from Home Depot, five from the Legion. “You just can’t believe the difference it makes in here. It’s amazing.”
One of those volunteers, Matt Bailey, 41, of Middletown, said he assisted in the project because he wanted to improve the appearance of the Legion. Bailey, who never served in the military, has been a member of the Legion’s Tap Room for five years.
“It looks nice,” he said, looking around the room. “A lot better.”
Gomia is hoping the renovations help recruit new members, especially those veterans from more recent conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan. He said there were 547 members in the Legion last year, and that number has dropped to 323. The goal is to have 553 members by the end of the year, he said.
Most of the members served during World War II, Korean War and Vietnam, he said.
This volunteer project was part of Home Depot’s sixth annual Celebration of Service campaign, a nationwide effort led by Team Depot, the Home Depot’s associate-led volunteer force, to help give back to veterans in need. Between now and Veterans Day, Team Depot volunteers will complete projects for veterans in every community the company serves, said Darin Swafford, store manager.
“It’s an outstanding opportunity to make an impact of those who sacrificed so much for us,” Swafford said. “Hearing their stories and seeing their reaction is so empowering.”
Since 2011, the foundation has invested more than $105 million to provide safe housing to veterans, and along with the help of Team Depot volunteers, has transformed more than 22,000 homes for veterans.
Last year, Home Depot donated more than $4,000 in materials and $2,500 in labor to the VFW Post 3809 on Central Avenue in Middletown. And in 2013, volunteers painted the exterior and installed new lighting throughout the center.
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