Home Depot and a big surprise on the Tonight Show
U.S. Air Force veteran Vernitta Love attended “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” this past Veterans Day.
But in addition to some laughs, Love was in for a big surprise.
As a part of The Home Depot Foundation’s Celebration of Service (COS), Home Depot associates and customers were encouraged to nominate a deserving veteran for the chance to win a $25,000 repair grant through the Operation Surprise contest.
Vernitta’s son, Aaron Love nominated his mom, retired after 26 years in the Air Force, because “her house is a home but behind the scenes, it’s a wreck.”
Love learned of her award from Fallon at the Tonight Show taping. She also learned that, after hearing her story, the Home Depot Foundation decided to double the award and present her with $50,000 for home repairs.
Problems at Love’s home include lights flickering due to electrical issues, which has sparked fear of a fire on Aaron’s part.
Despite these issues at home, Aaron told The Home Depot Foundation his mom is dedicated to helping others before helping herself.
“She is always helping other veterans and homeless vets that are in need,” Aaron said. “She spends the night on the street with homeless vets to help out, pass out socks, coats and clothing to others in need. In our eyes, she’s a patriot to our family and the community. We love her.”
The Love family’s visit to the Tonight Show can be viewed here on YouTube.
But in addition to some laughs, Love was in for a big surprise.
As a part of The Home Depot Foundation’s Celebration of Service (COS), Home Depot associates and customers were encouraged to nominate a deserving veteran for the chance to win a $25,000 repair grant through the Operation Surprise contest.
Vernitta’s son, Aaron Love nominated his mom, retired after 26 years in the Air Force, because “her house is a home but behind the scenes, it’s a wreck.”
Love learned of her award from Fallon at the Tonight Show taping. She also learned that, after hearing her story, the Home Depot Foundation decided to double the award and present her with $50,000 for home repairs.
Problems at Love’s home include lights flickering due to electrical issues, which has sparked fear of a fire on Aaron’s part.
Despite these issues at home, Aaron told The Home Depot Foundation his mom is dedicated to helping others before helping herself.
“She is always helping other veterans and homeless vets that are in need,” Aaron said. “She spends the night on the street with homeless vets to help out, pass out socks, coats and clothing to others in need. In our eyes, she’s a patriot to our family and the community. We love her.”
The Love family’s visit to the Tonight Show can be viewed here on YouTube.