Homer Hardwood Flooring was honored this week with a 2012 Community Service Award from The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) during its convention in Orlando, Florida, April 10-13. The NWFA Community Service Awards are presented to companies that perform volunteer work for charitable organizations.

According to the NWFA, despite continued economic strain, five NWFA member companies found the time, the means, and the compassion to give to others. “These members have all made our communities stronger by exemplifying the philosophy that charity defines us as individuals, as communities, and as an industry,” said Michael Martin, CEO, NWFA. The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,100 members world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring.

HomerWood Premium Hardwood Flooring was recognized for its donation of White Oak hardwood flooring to help military veteran SPC Rob Kislow, who was severely injured in Afghanistan, obtain his dream of a wheelchair accessible home in Pennsylvania.  SPC Kislow’s vision of a perfect home was fulfilled when the national nonprofit “Homes For Our Troops “organization, which builds homes for seriously injured post 9/11 veterans at no cost to them, gathered hundreds of volunteers and hundreds of thousands of dollars in donated supplies and furnishings to work on Kislow's home. 

“HomerWood is truly honored to be called out in this fashion by the NWFA and our industry,” said Kathy Barker, Director of Operations, HomerWood.  “HomerWood has long been known for our authentic Character floors, 100% made in America, and we are so pleased to be able to give back to our veterans who’s own strength of character have given this country and our communities so much.”

“Homes For Our Troops” has built more than 100 homes for severely injured veterans since 2004.  SPC Kislow’s home, just completed at the end of 2011, features an open layout, a wheelchair friendly bathroom and beautiful, durable HomerWood hardwood floors. The home provides maximum freedom of movement and the ability for SPC Kislow to live more independently after returning injured from service.

In addition, HomerWood is active in its Titusville, Pennsylvania community. The company donates material to local toy shops where volunteers craft wooden toys; to vocational schools for training purposes and to the local senior center for its annual charity auction.