Home Depot Foundation, Purple Heart Homes, volunteers give 100-year-old vet home upgrades
HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss. — A 100-year-old World War II veteran is receiving critical home upgrades thanks to volunteers from The Home Depot Foundation and Purple Heart Homes.
On Thursday, Drew “Preacher” Smith, a longtime Holly Springs resident and Army veteran, began to see his new modular home enhanced with safety and comfort improvements. Smith lost his previous home of more than 70 years to a tornado earlier this year.
Rain shortened their time at the home on Thursday, but volunteers vowed to return and finish the work.
The project is part of The Home Depot Foundation’s annual Celebration of Service, a nationwide initiative led by Team Depot, the company’s associate volunteer force. Volunteers will provide and set up space heaters, coordinate installation of an upgraded electric water heater, and refresh the property with low-maintenance shrubs and a flower bed.
“These upgrades honor Preacher’s service and ensure he can continue living independently in a safe, welcoming home,” said Lamar Austin, project manager with Purple Heart Homes.
The effort builds on a milestone partnership between The Home Depot Foundation and Purple Heart Homes, which recently completed its 1,000th critical home repair for veterans nationwide. Earlier this fall, the Holly Springs community celebrated Smith’s 100th birthday, reflecting the deep appreciation he continues to receive from neighbors and nonprofit partners.
Since 2011, The Home Depot Foundation has invested more than $600 million in veteran causes, improving more than 65,000 homes and facilities. The foundation has pledged to grow that investment to $750 million by 2030, ensuring more veterans have access to safe, stable housing.
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