This Veterans Day, The Container Store pays tribute to those who served in the United States Armed Forces, honoring them for their service, sacrifice, and love of our country.
Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day acknowledges that on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice (or temporary cessation of hostilities) was declared between the Allied nations and Germany, thus commemorating the end of World War I. Veterans Day has been celebrated since 1919 and was designated a federal holiday in 1938.
Customers will find signage throughout our stores and at the registers detailing how we are commemorating Veterans Day this year as we honor our nation's heroes and celebrate the veterans that are a part of The Container Store family.
As part of our commitment to give back to causes that are important to our employees and customers, we are partnering with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to support of their Smart Home Program, in which they build or renovate "smart homes" for those catastrophically-injured in the line of duty. These smart homes feature a variety of modifications--automated doors and lighting, wider halls and doorways, and wheelchair-accessible showers, just to name a few--that can help these injured heroes reclaim their day-to-day independence. Best of all: these smart homes are given to these vets and first responders mortgage-free!
Our Colorado Springs, CO store location
Driven by our Military, Veterans & Patriots Employee Resource Group and our newest store location in Colorado Springs, we partnered with Tunnels to Towers to install a custom garage solution in a new, mortgage-free home that was presented to Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro, his wife Carmen, and their son Israel Jr. in Peyton, CO.
Senior Master Sergeant Del Toro was injured in Afghanistan in 2005 when his Humvee rolled over a bomb. He lost most of his fingers, was burned over the majority of his body and was in a coma for three months. Initially given a 15% chance of survival, Del Toro defied the odds and made a miraculous recovery.
Sr. Master Sergeant Del Toro (right) at the home dedication ceremony.
Although he was told he would most likely never walk or breathe on his own again, Del Toro remained determined and made a promise to himself that he would return to active duty one day. In May 2006, less than a year after the accident, he was walking and breathing on his own, and was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery in the face of adversity. In 2010 Del Toro achieved his goal, becoming the first 100-percent combat disabled Air Force technician to re-enlist, proving once again what one can achieve with steadfast tenacity and determination.
Del Toro has never let his disabilities limit him. In 2014 he participated in the inaugural Invictus Games — a competition for wounded servicemen and women. Although he lost his fingers and some vital muscles in the explosion, he was able to lift 215 pounds in the power lifting event.
You can join our efforts of celebrating our nation's heroes by donating to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation by clicking here. Our giving campaign will run November 1 through November 30.
