A roof does much more than cover a house. It protects the people, memories, and moments that make a house feel like home.
Each year, Cox Roofing has the privilege of providing a new roof to a deserving public servant in the Pine Belt. This annual tradition is one way our team can recognize individuals who have spent their lives serving others.
This year’s recipient is someone who has served his country and continues to bring happiness to families throughout Jones County: 82-year-old veteran Philip Sapienza, who many people in the community know simply as Santa.
Philip Sapienza’s service did not end when his time in the military was complete.
Through his role as Santa, he has become a familiar and beloved figure in Jones County. Year after year, he has helped create special Christmas memories for local children and families. Behind the white beard is a veteran who has spent much of his life bringing encouragement and joy to others.
Now, Cox Roofing has the opportunity to give something meaningful back to him: a professionally installed new roof for his North Laurel home.
When Sapienza visited the Cox Roofing office, he spoke emotionally about what the gift meant to him. His heartfelt response was simple: “God bless Cox Roofing and God bless America.”
For our team, those words are a reminder of why this giveaway matters.
The Cox Roofing Roof Giveaway was created to honor the people who serve and strengthen our communities.
Over the years, the giveaway has recognized veterans, nurses, law-enforcement officers, educators and emergency responders. Previous recipients have included two longtime Laurel police officers and a Jones County EMServ employee whose roof had been damaged by severe weather.
A damaged or aging roof can place a tremendous financial burden on a homeowner. For public servants who have spent their careers caring for others, a free roof replacement can provide more than protection from the weather. It can offer security, relief and peace of mind.
Each recipient has a different story, but they share something important: a commitment to serving others.
This year, Cox Roofing is proud to honor a veteran who has also become part of the traditions of countless Jones County families.
A project like this requires more than shingles and nails. It takes local businesses, manufacturers and roofing professionals working together toward one purpose.
For this year’s giveaway, QXO and CertainTeed provided the roofing materials, while the Cox Roofing team provided the professional installation.
Their generosity made it possible to give Sapienza a complete new roofing system designed to protect his home for years to come.
Cox Roofing is grateful to both QXO and CertainTeed for supporting this project and helping us recognize someone who has given so much to his country and community.
For most homeowners, replacing a roof is a practical home-improvement project. This roof represents something more.
It represents gratitude for military service.
It represents appreciation for the joy Sapienza has brought to local families as Santa.
It represents what can happen when local businesses come together to help a deserving neighbor.
Most importantly, it provides a safe and dependable roof over the home of someone who has dedicated his life to serving and encouraging others.
At Cox Roofing, serving the community means more than repairing and replacing roofs. It means looking for opportunities to support the people who make South Mississippi a better place to live.
Our annual roof giveaway has become one of the most meaningful traditions for our team. It allows us to use our experience, skills and partnerships to make a lasting difference for a local public servant.
We are honored to recognize Philip Sapienza as this year’s recipient. We thank him for his military service, his positive impact on Jones County and the joy he continues to bring to families.
We also extend our sincere thanks to QXO and CertainTeed for providing the materials that made this new roof possible.
From everyone at Cox Roofing, congratulations to Mr. Sapienza—and thank you for everything you have given to our country and our community.
Cox Roofing provides professional residential and commercial roofing services throughout Laurel, Jones County and the surrounding areas. Whether you need a roof inspection, repairs, storm-damage assistance or a complete roof replacement, our experienced team is ready to help protect your property.
Contact Cox Roofing to schedule your roofing inspection or learn more about our services.
