Store Manager Kyle Wonderly said they pick a project every year — they went to Camp Campbell Gard in Cincinnati last year — but he said he wanted to stay local this year.
“The best part about it I think is when I told the team that’s what we were going to be doing, everybody was really excited about it because a lot of them live over in the area,” he said. “A lot of them take their kids to the park. It’s really a good feeling to be able help an area your team goes to enjoy, as well as the community.”
Wonderly estimated with the supplies — including 50 gallons of stain — and employees’ salaries Lowes contribution to the community was about $5,000.
Ed Rindler, who does merchandising for the home improvement giant, worked one of the two days helping the township parks department install new grills and benches at the park. He said he is proud to work for an employer who cares.
“Honestly I think it’s one of the coolest things we have,” Rindler said. “It’s nice to be able to show that we’re really a part of the community around us. I actually did one of the projects before at Camp Campbell Gard and it was one of the most enlightening things I had done in a long time.”
West Chester Twp. spokeswoman Barb Wilson said they really appreciated the help the “heroes” provided.
“The Lowe’s volunteer team made quick work of a long list of projects at Keehner Park,” she said. “Visitors will notice newly painted picnic shelters and tables, new grills and more. Their efforts are greatly appreciated and will be enjoyed by all of those who regularly visit the park.”
Wonderly said last year all of Lowes’ 1,800 stores participated in the Lowes Heroes Program and they hope to match the effort this year. With 170 employees at his store he said they could easily spare the 20 who were working at the park.
Assistant store manger Joe Stoeber said he has been with Lowes for about a year and he is so proud of their employees.
“I have been very thrilled and very impressed with the company’s ability to reach out to the community,” he said. “It makes me feel great actually. Just watching the associates and how passionate they are about volunteering and not being afraid of the hard work. It’s not a whole lot of fun to paint 100 feet of fencing that’s been baked by the sun for a couple years. Seeing their positive attitude motivates me.”
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