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Anderson Carpet One receives special gift

Store takes part in veterans campaign
May 21, 2015

A small piece of steel from the World Trade Center that fell as part of the 9/11 attacks is now on display at Anderson Carpet One in Rehoboth Beach

It was presented to the store by retired New York City Fire Department first responder Pete Velloza April 20 in recognition of Carpet One’s participation in the Building for America’s Bravest initiative.

Velloza was friends with firefighter Stephen Siller, who was stuck in traffic outside the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. When Siller, 34, saw the World Trade Center on fire, he donned his firefighters gear and ran toward the towers. He died when Tower 2 collapsed.

Siller’s family created the Tunnel to Towers Organization, which held annual runs all over the country, recalling Siller's race to the towers.

Ashley Anderson of Anderson Carpet One said in 2013, Tunnel to Towers partnered with Carpet One, a national co-op with 1,000 stores, and Mohawk, one of Carpet One’s manufacturers, to build specially designed homes for veterans who have lost three or more limbs in the line of duty.

Anderson said 20 homes have been built, although none yet in Delaware. She said Carpet One stores have installed flooring in the homes at no cost and raised funds.

Anderson said Velloza is traveling to Carpet Ones throughout the mid-Atlantic, starting in Rehoboth. Velloza told his story and his relationship with Siller.

“Meeting him was a huge honor,” Anderson said.

She said Anderson Carpet One is asking customers to donate at least $10 for the Building for America’s Bravest campaign. The store will match whatever is raised and donors will receive a thank you letter for their support, Anderson said.

Anderson Carpet One is located at 19871 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth. Call 302-227-3244 or go to www.andersoncarpetone.com.

 

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