Stepping up for a Co-Worker in Need

Associates from Store 1244 in Greece, NY came together to help a former associate who had recently lost the use of his legs. Six associates got together on their own to build their friend and former co-worker a ramp that would improve accessibility into his home.

Anthony, a 10-year associate, worked most recently in the store’s receiving department. The husband and father of two became wheelchair-bound practically overnight. He was unable to get into the family’s garage, where the active woodworker and home vintner (I’m told he makes a mean Cabernet), spends a lot of his time.

“This is a guy who just didn’t deserve what was dealt to him,” said Chuck, an expeditor at Home Depot store 1244, located just outside Rochester, NY. “Anthony’s faith and the help of many friends, neighbors and his co-workers at Home Depot have really helped him through his challenges; but we knew there was more we could do.”

After all, who better to grab some hammers and lend a hand than a few of Anthony’s friends from the local Home Depot? Chuck and Tony from store 1244 got the project started, and with support from Mark, Mike, Chris and Samantha the team designed and donated a ramp that would allow their friend to enter and exit the garage on his own. The project returns some simple freedoms to Anthony, so he can continue to enjoy his favorite hobbies.

The group of friends and co-workers developed this project on their own. They tore out and moved some existing shop cabinets to make room for the new ramp. Once they built the ramp they trimmed out the cabinets so they each fit the space with the new ramp.

View a photo slideshow of this project here

Anthony is truly missed around store 1244. Chuck says that Anthony always has a smile, and everyone in the store remembered when he would make the announcements on the store paging system because of the energy he brings to everything he does.

“You could hear his smile, even over the store’s paging system,” Chuck added.

Details and photos for this OrangeBlooded.net story were submitted by Chuck from store 1244. You can submit your story ideas to information@homedepot.com.