Photo: Zac Brown Performs for Veterans at Camp Southern Ground

Today, The Home Depot Foundation kicked off its seventh-annual Celebration of Service campaign with a new call to action: "Choose to Serve." The Home Depot Foundation has championed its mission to improve the homes and lives of veterans across the United States since 2011. Now, calling on communities to play a role in giving back to those who have served, The Home Depot Foundation is now inviting Home Depot customers to participate in a variety of projects and initiatives across the country.

From September 7 through Veterans Day on November 11, Team Depot, The Home Depot's associate-led volunteer force, will work with local and national nonprofit organizations to complete projects for veterans across in local communities nationwide.

"Far too many of our veterans and their families face major housing challenges, heightened by issues like unemployment, age and service-related disabilities," said The Home Depot Foundation executive director Shannon Gerber. "It's important that we all give back to those who have already given so much for our country and choose to serve those who have served us all."

The campaign will officially kick off at Camp Southern Ground, a camp owned by Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum artist Zac Brown of Zac Brown Band. For 42 weeks of the year, Camp Southern Ground serves veterans and their families as they transition back from the service into civilian life. The Home Depot Foundation will partner with the nonprofit to help build the lodging facility that will serve veterans and their families.

"Supporting veterans and their families is something we're very passionate about at Camp Southern Ground," said Mike Dobbs, CEO of Camp Southern Ground. "We are honored to partner with Team Depot during Celebration of Service to work together to serve our nation's heroes."

To activate "Choose to Serve," The Home Depot Foundation is encouraging community members to give back through organized service projects throughout the country. People across the U.S. can send a custom note of appreciation to a veteran though TouchNotes, participate in Kids and DIY Workshops at Home Depot stores nationwide this November, and share their everyday life service moments - whether that be a simple thank you or returning a grocery cart for a veteran - through #choosetoserve.

Kristen Ackerley (PullSpark)

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