Chop4Change: Football Supports WWII Veteran Through Yates House
May 18 | Football
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – As part of Rutgers football's Chop4Change initiative, the program has joined with Yates House for Military Veterans, Inc., The Home Depot Foundation and other supporting partners to complete a major collaborative deck rehabilitation community project for Norman Abraham, Sr., a 102-year-old World War II veteran. Due to health and safety concerns and struggles with home accessibility, Mr. Abraham, Sr., an East Orange resident, was unable to safely navigate his existing deteriorated deck, limiting his independence and ability to entertain safely at home with family and friends.
Recognizing the urgent need, Yates House for Military Veterans, Inc. stepped in to demolish the old structure and marshalled the necessary community partners, trades and other professionals to construct a new, safe and accessible deck, funded entirely by community donations. Most notably, both Andre Yates and Anthony Flax, Founding Members of the Yates House for Military Veterans, Inc., praises Chris Volpe (Store Manager - South Plainfield) and the Home Depot team for its unfettered support and unyielding collaborative determination in accomplishing such a noble community project in the city of East Orange, New Jersey.
"I am overwhelmed by the generosity of this community," said Mr. Abraham, Sr., after discussing the completion of the project with Andre Yates and Anthony Flax, Founding Members of the Yates House for Military Veterans, Inc. "This deck changes my daily life. I can finally sit outside and enjoy the fresh air with my family, which was impossible before. I feel truly honored and supported."
"At the Yates House For Military Veterans, Inc., our mission is to build more than just structures, temporary and permanent housing—we build & revitalize communities," said Andre Yates and Anthony Flax, Founding Members of the Yates House For Military Veterans, Inc. "For Mr. Abraham, Sr., this deck is more than wood and nails; it's about regaining freedom and enjoying precious time outdoors with his family."
This project continues Rutgers football's support of veterans over the years. At the annual Military Appreciation Day each November, the program provides tickets, a tailgate party, t-shirts, hats and more for those who have served and their families. In addition, Chop4Change has purchased turkeys around Thanksgiving and obtained Broadway tickets for veterans.
Chop4Change has donated over 2,000 new winter coats over the previous five years as part of its coat drive. The initiative has also provided gift cards for Thanksgiving and Easter dinners, headsets for children to learn during the pandemic, delivered school supplies to elementary schools previously attended by players, supported veteran groups and hosted CPR and AED training for youth football coaches. Overall, the programs have raised over $550,000 since 2020.
The formal opening for Mr. Abraham, Sr.'s deck is set for Thursday, May 21 at 2 p.m., and the public is welcome to attend (119 North Maple Avenue, East Orange, NJ). The project was completed with the assistance of:
• The Home Depot Foundation
• Rutgers Football & Chop4Change
• Yates House for Military Veterans, Inc.
• Trex Company - Decking & Railing
• ARC Building Partners
• JINGOLI Construction
• RENEWVATION Contracting
• Architects Drawings- Mike Gronsky with Jeffrey A. Fleisher Architect
• Richard Kyle, Architect
• Barrett Outdoors-Designs and Project Managements
• Decks and Docks - delivery and so much more
• Sakrete - Concrete
• Culpepper - Treated Lumber
• Simpson Strong Tie - Connectors
• Versatech/Azek - White CPVC-
• Starborne - Connectors
• Department of New Jersey American Legion
• Morris County American Legion
• Diane and Tommy Dilonardo
The Yates House for Military Veterans, Inc. continues to work closely with local veteran organizations, corporate sponsors and community partners to identify, and help solve housing-related safety issues and critical care needs for every deserving veteran that it serves.
Follow Rutgers football on X (@RFootball & @RUboardwalk), Facebook (/RFootballShow) and Instagram (@rfootball & @ruboardwalk) for the latest news and updates. Also subscribe to the YouTube channel.
Recognizing the urgent need, Yates House for Military Veterans, Inc. stepped in to demolish the old structure and marshalled the necessary community partners, trades and other professionals to construct a new, safe and accessible deck, funded entirely by community donations. Most notably, both Andre Yates and Anthony Flax, Founding Members of the Yates House for Military Veterans, Inc., praises Chris Volpe (Store Manager - South Plainfield) and the Home Depot team for its unfettered support and unyielding collaborative determination in accomplishing such a noble community project in the city of East Orange, New Jersey.
"I am overwhelmed by the generosity of this community," said Mr. Abraham, Sr., after discussing the completion of the project with Andre Yates and Anthony Flax, Founding Members of the Yates House for Military Veterans, Inc. "This deck changes my daily life. I can finally sit outside and enjoy the fresh air with my family, which was impossible before. I feel truly honored and supported."
"At the Yates House For Military Veterans, Inc., our mission is to build more than just structures, temporary and permanent housing—we build & revitalize communities," said Andre Yates and Anthony Flax, Founding Members of the Yates House For Military Veterans, Inc. "For Mr. Abraham, Sr., this deck is more than wood and nails; it's about regaining freedom and enjoying precious time outdoors with his family."
This project continues Rutgers football's support of veterans over the years. At the annual Military Appreciation Day each November, the program provides tickets, a tailgate party, t-shirts, hats and more for those who have served and their families. In addition, Chop4Change has purchased turkeys around Thanksgiving and obtained Broadway tickets for veterans.
Chop4Change has donated over 2,000 new winter coats over the previous five years as part of its coat drive. The initiative has also provided gift cards for Thanksgiving and Easter dinners, headsets for children to learn during the pandemic, delivered school supplies to elementary schools previously attended by players, supported veteran groups and hosted CPR and AED training for youth football coaches. Overall, the programs have raised over $550,000 since 2020.
The formal opening for Mr. Abraham, Sr.'s deck is set for Thursday, May 21 at 2 p.m., and the public is welcome to attend (119 North Maple Avenue, East Orange, NJ). The project was completed with the assistance of:
• The Home Depot Foundation
• Rutgers Football & Chop4Change
• Yates House for Military Veterans, Inc.
• Trex Company - Decking & Railing
• ARC Building Partners
• JINGOLI Construction
• RENEWVATION Contracting
• Architects Drawings- Mike Gronsky with Jeffrey A. Fleisher Architect
• Richard Kyle, Architect
• Barrett Outdoors-Designs and Project Managements
• Decks and Docks - delivery and so much more
• Sakrete - Concrete
• Culpepper - Treated Lumber
• Simpson Strong Tie - Connectors
• Versatech/Azek - White CPVC-
• Starborne - Connectors
• Department of New Jersey American Legion
• Morris County American Legion
• Diane and Tommy Dilonardo
The Yates House for Military Veterans, Inc. continues to work closely with local veteran organizations, corporate sponsors and community partners to identify, and help solve housing-related safety issues and critical care needs for every deserving veteran that it serves.
Follow Rutgers football on X (@RFootball & @RUboardwalk), Facebook (/RFootballShow) and Instagram (@rfootball & @ruboardwalk) for the latest news and updates. Also subscribe to the YouTube channel.
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