“We partner with local non-profits, community organizations and schools to make a difference at a local level. Lowe’s employees volunteer their time and skills to make our communities a better place to live and we work hard to be a good neighbor,” said Ellie Whinney, the project manager.
Whinney said that JABA was chosen this year because they lost some of their funding and Lowe’s felt it was a good opportunity to provide support to local seniors who rely on JABA for maintaining their health, independence and well being.
“The grounds and center clearly needed a face lift,” she said as she toured the grounds out back of the center where an overgrown garden had been. “We pruned bushes, cleared out the beds, cleaned the paths, we planted seeds, we’ll be putting mulch down, fertilizer and providing perennials for the garden and we brought a bird bath,” she said pointing to the beautiful blue ceramic bird bath with a white design that made a statement and drew attention to the once neglected garden. “This was labor intensive but easier than designing new beds.”
The Lowe’s Heroes program selects one community service project each year and receives a grant from corporate to help with supplies and materials needed to complete the volunteer projects. Lowe’s employees volunteer their time and skills on weekends to complete the selected project.
Troy McClendon, store manager, said, “We believe that by working together we can build something better for our company, our customers and our communities.”
Lowe’s also donated several gallons of paint, two new fans for the auditorium, paint supplies, garden tools, including a much needed pole pruner, a bird feeder and seed. They even donated a brand new stove for the kitchen which delighted new Fluvanna Parks and Recreation Director Jason Smith, who also volunteered to help.
“Now we can offer cooking classes,” he said.
