Volunteers give Madera American Legion post a much needed face lift

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- In the North Valley, a veterans post is now spruced up after some volunteers stepped in to help.

From the gravel to the garden the American Legion Post 11 in Madera got a much needed makeover. Wednesday, more than 50 Home Depot employees from across the Valley came together to roll up their sleeves. "We just love it. We're ecstatic about it. We just cant believe its coming through for this little post," said Ed Chacon the American Legion Post 11 manager.

Chacon says this little piece of property has become a home away from home for veterans and the community. Just seven years ago, the property was bare and little-by-little the area has been spruced up, but it got a helping hand from the volunteers.

Besides the outdoor space, the bar indoor also got some help. It's where many gather and spend time eating meals. "The members come in and its all about camaraderie. They come in, spend some time talking about new things, some old things and watch the news," Chacon said.

The volunteers are all employees of Home Depot, serving as part of the company's Celebration of Service campaign. The company's foundation is inviting the community to help by taking a selfie and using #serviceselfie. Each social media post will mean a donation to veterans.

And for one volunteer the day was extra special. "It's awesome. I'm a veteran and so its great to come out here and help our veterans that need help," said Stephen Granatelli a Home Depot assistant manager and veteran.

This is the fifth year the Celebration of Service campaign has taken place across the nation.

Organizers say they're thankful for every hand and every volunteer that came out to helped. Now they're looking forward to helping more people in our community.