A group of Home Depot employees volunteered their time and efforts and skills to renvate the home of veteran David Marcucci. 

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - In a heartfelt display of community spirit, Home Depot has completed a significant renovation project for David Marcucci, a local veteran whose home in Carmichael was in dire need of repair. This initiative not only revitalized Marcucci’s residence but also reaffirmed Home Depot’s deep commitment to community support.

The renovation process involved more than just fixing a house; it was about restoring hope and comfort. The team replaced uneven flooring, water damage, painted walls, revamped landscaping and updated fixtures.

“About a year and a half ago my wife walked into a part of the house and the drywall had become very mushy due to a water leak and the insurance said they couldn’t help us,” explained Marcucci. “I walked into Home Depot met Brandon and explained the situation. They took the time to come out, assess the damage and offered to partner with us on the repairs.”

 Veteran David Marcucci, center, stands alongside Vince Robles from the Veterans Community Center of Citrus Heights, left, and Brandon Lopez, operating manager at Home Depot, right.

Brandon Lopez, operating manager at the Carmichael Home Depot, explained, “We started getting the project going back in December of last year. When we start a project and apply for the grant from the Home Depot Foundation, we ask the veteran what they need done, the scope of work, how many volunteers and then we put a quote in and submit it so we can get it financed.”

Marcucci, who served in the 82nd Airborne from 2014 to 2017, faced immense personal challenges since coming home in April 2017, due to an injury sustained during his service. A parachute malfunction caused an injury to his leg leading to numerous surgeries. His home became a source of stress rather than solace.

“We were first time home buyers and had only been here for four years before all these issues started piling up,” Marcucci said. “It was catastrophic to us and wiped out all our savings.”

 Volunteers revitalized the backyard by landscaping, mulching, adding raised garden beds and planting flowers.

Marcucci’s home, once plagued by water damage and tripping hazards, now stands as a testament to the power of community support.

“I am eternally grateful to Home Depot. This renovation means the world to me. It allows me to walk and have mobility through the house without me worrying about a tripping hazard causing another injury to my leg,” Marcucci said.

All the materials for the renovation were supplied by the Carmichael Home Depot store, which also coordinated with other companies, such as Romanoff Renovations, that volunteered their labor to restore the house. Additionally, Home Depot stores from across the district sent volunteers to assist with the project, contributing their time and skills to ensure its success.

“My grandfather was a veteran, and that is the reason why I do this, it would be cool if someone could do this for him one day,” said Isaac DeLuna, a Home Depot employee. “It’s all about giving back and ensuring veterans feel secure and cared for.”

Carol Weber, a Home Depot employee for the past 20 years highlighted the significance of such projects.

“The first 10 years I worked there I did these projects constantly,” Weber said. “I like to help our community here in Carmichael because that’s where our store is.”

Lopez also said, “It’s inspiring to work for a company that not only supports its associates and employees but also gives back to the community. Being able to help a veteran who served us is incredibly rewarding. It’s a way for us to support our local community, and that’s why I stand by this company.”

“This is something every company should do. We need to be here for our people,” David Gregory, Pro Department Supervisor at Home Depot said. “Despite all the volunteers being from different stores he highlighted that they are all “one team coming together for the community.”

Vince Robles from the Veterans’ Community Center of Citrus Heights partnered with Home Depot to get the project done.

“We have worked with Home Depot before and received grants from them. When they needed assistance with a 501(c)(3) project, we were happy to help,” said Robles. “Today our crew is serving lunch for the volunteers, and we are also working on a special project for his closet. We also serve meals four days a week at our facility to help veterans as much as we can.”

“I want people to know that Home Depo does things like this,” said Marcucci. “It’s a dream come true. I am ready to start living again.”

 Before beginning the renovation work, the volunteers stood together and performed a Home Depot chant.