NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Beginning June 15, The Home Depot will offer United Methodist churches and affiliate organizations an opportunity to help fund the distribution of free copies of Strength for Service to God and Country, to U. S. military troops and veterans.

The book of daily devotions was first published in 1942 following the attack upon Pearl Harbor. More than 1 million copies were distributed during World War II and the Korean conflict. An additional 480,000 copies of an expanded edition of the book have been distributed since 2001.

L.W. Smith, a United Methodist from South Carolina serves as president of the 12 member board of directors of the Strength for Service Corporation. ”I’m very grateful to Home Depot for providing additional funds for us to expand the distribution of the historic book to veterans, men and women on active duty,” said Smith.

Focus on veterans

Noting that Strength for Service Corporation has a close relationship with veterans, The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) selected the non-denominational organization to be the recipient of the rebates derived from The Home Depot Pro Xtra Loyalty Program.

In an April meeting, Michael Daniel, Pro Account Representative of Home Depot, outlined The Home Depot Pro Xtra Loyalty Program with Bobby Smith and Jehan Zarate, staff executives of GCFA , Gil Hanke, top staff executive, and the Rev. J. Richard Peck of the General Commission on United Methodist Men; and Larry Coppock,  acting executive director of Strength for Service, Inc. The group spent time collaborating on a promotional strategy that will invite United Methodist churches and affiliate organizations to sign up for The Home Depot Pro Xtra Loyalty Program. The registration process is fast and easy and can be done in two ways:

1.         On the internet go to: www.HomeDepot.com/proxtra  

• Username/Email: sponsorship@gcfa.org

                        Password: gcfasponsor1 *

• For security purposes, there is no need to provide an expiration date or security code. The program only needs the 16 digit card number to ensure future purchases will be credited.

2.         Contact your UMC Pro Account Representative- Michael Daniel at  michael_r_daniel@homedepot.com or 817-825-0279

While the program is designed for church organizations, individuals performing a UMC related project may also receive a twenty percent discount on paint by providing the “Pro Rewards” phone number (615/329-1177) at checkout. .

About The Home Depot Foundation:

 Since opening its doors in 1979, giving back to the communities in which it operates has been a passion for Home Depot associates. In 2002, The Home Depot Foundation was established to serve as the charitable arm of the organization and to further the community building goals of the Company by providing resources to assist nonprofit organizations.

The mission of The Home Depot Foundation is simple...to improve homes and improve lives. Through partnership with local nonprofits, grants and the efforts of Team Depot, the associate volunteers, the focus is on repairing and refurbishing homes and facilities that serve disadvantaged families and individuals.

About Strength for Service, Inc.:

The mission of Strength for Service, Inc. is to publish and provide spiritual and inspirational literature for members of the armed services, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs/paramedics and other community servants. L.W. Smith, a United Methodist from South Carolina, serves as president of the 12 member board of directors for the non-denominational corporation. Larry Coppock is the acting executive director.

About the General Council on Finance and Administration:

The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) coordinates and administers the financial resources, safeguards the legal interests and rights of the Church, and provides administrative resources to enable the fulfillment of the mission of The United Methodist Church.

Photo: The collaboration among the General Council on Finance and Administration, Home Depot and Strength for Service, Inc. was confirmed at an April 10 meeting at the Nashville office of the General Commission on United Methodist Men. Participants included (from left): Larry Coppock, Bobby Smith, Jehan Zarate, Michael Daniel, and Gil Hanke. Photo by Rich Peck.