Manatee County Habitat for Humanity is partnering with Boar’s Head Brand® to build a Habitat home for a local veteran and his family. Boar’s Head Brand employees began working alongside future Habitat homeowner Sgt. Juan Garcia on Saturday, Sept. 26, to construct the four bedroom home in Palmetto, Florida. In addition to their corporate sponsorship, Boar’s Head Brand has committed to providing 200 hours of volunteer labor to help build the home.
"Boar’s Head is a great partner," said Diana Shoemaker, Executive Director of Manatee Habitat. "Their commitment to this project exemplifies the company's desire to serve others and positively impact our community. It is a great match with the mission of Manatee Habitat, and we are thrilled to be working with them to assist Juan in obtaining his dream of building and purchasing his own home."
Twenty-two employees from Boar’s Head Brand worked on siding, roofing, painting and caulking, and more will perform additional tasks during two additional volunteer Saturdays in October. Children of employees also contributed to the day by providing baked goods and snacks for volunteers. At the end of the day, a Boar’s Head Brand Distributor provided hot lunches to the volunteers, including some of Garcia’s future neighbors.
"Boar’s Head Brand is proud to support Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, and is dedicated to giving back to the community where our employees work and live," said Elizabeth Ward, director of marketing and communications for Boar’s Head Brand.
Sergeant Garcia served in the Army as Armor Unit for over 10 years and was stationed in Kuwait, South Korea and Germany, and was also deployed to Iraq for 13 months. In addition to working full time, Garcia recently completed his associate degree from State College of Florida, and is currently working on his bachelor degree in criminology at the University of South Florida. The home is expected to be completed by mid-November so his family can be in their new home for Thanksgiving and the holidays.