Veteran receives free roof in heartwarming community gesture

ATTLEBORO, Mass, (WLNE) — Beacon Building Products, of Attleboro, is in its sixth year of awarding veterans facing adversity with new roofs.

On Tuesday, Beacon Building Products partnered with Pride Exteriors to provide veteran Brian Donato, of Attleboro, a new roof.

“Beacon Roofing materials delivers the product and Pride Exteriors installs the product,” Beacon Building Products Branch Manager Ryan Bowen said. “We’re giving a free roof to a veteran in the community so it’s a win-win.”

The initiative, called the Beacon of Hope, allows people from all across the country to nominate veterans they think would benefit most from a new roof.

“Volunteering time is a good thing but if we can volunteer our resources and make a bigger impact in this manner then we are happy to do it,” Pride Exteriors President Darren Shepard said.

Donato, a marine veteran, plays an integral part in running the VFW Post 115 in Attleboro and started a program of volunteers to assist disabled veterans with yard cleanups.

“The big thing is I have lived in Attleboro my entire life,” Bowen said. “I have been a resident in this community and it feels great to give back to someone else in the community, someone that is extremely deserving.”