EIGHTY FOUR, Pa. - Maintaining a strong commitment to military members, 84 Lumber hosted its third annual Operation Appreciation campaign throughout the month of May in honor of Military Appreciation Month. The contest awards $8,400 in 84 Lumber store credit to three current or veteran military members or families in need of home repairs or improvements.

 

“Operation Appreciation is one of our favorite initiatives each year,” says Amy Smiley, 84 Lumber’s vice president of marketing. “This program allows us to honor heroes from communities across the country while also giving back to those who have given so much.”

 

84 Lumber accepted nominations between May 1 and May 25 via an online contest platform with one winner being selected each week from May 7 to the week of May 21. Nominees were evaluated on need as well as proximity to an 84 Lumber store, among other criteria. The winners were contacted directly and will be announced on the company’s social media channels.

 

While 84 Lumber typically awards three winners as part of Operation Appreciation, an 84 Lumber associate proposed honoring a fourth winner this year through employee donations. In just over two weeks, the company banded together to raise an additional $8,400 to be donated to another military member.

 

“After receiving many inspirational stories from across the country, choosing this year’s Operation Appreciation winners was a welcomed challenge,” says Smiley. “These brave men and women have been through so much and could use a little break. We’re honored to support them in any way we can.”

 

For the month of May, the company also provided custom care packages that were deployed to military members worldwide; custom Operation Appreciation T-shirts for all 84 Lumber associates; and a 10 percent discount, which will be applied year-round, for all military personnel that was recently extended to first responders.

 

The company also has Combat Wounded purple parking spots at stores nationwide and puts a strong emphasis on hiring former military members. It currently employs more than 350 veterans. One of those veterans, Regional Recruiter Nick Chestnut out of the Summerville, S.C. store (#2412), recently shared his story about transitioning from the Air Force to 84 Lumber. Watch his story here.

 

Founded in 1956, 84 Lumber Company is a privately held supplier of building materials, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single- and multi-family residences and commercial buildings. 84 Lumber operates more than 250 stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, custom millwork shops, and engineered wood product (EWP) centers in 30 states, representing the top 130 markets in the country.