MARTINSVILLE, VA – Every year, the Lowe’s store in Martinsville looks for an organization to donate time and resources to as part of its Heroes program.
Lowe’s Heroes is a company-wide volunteer program that offers the store’s associates the opportunity to support local community improvement projects.
In the past, associates have completed projects to support Henry County Public Schools and two local YMCAs.
Projects have included installing raised garden beds for all elementary schools in the district and painting rooms and building shelves at the YMCA for its after-school program.
This year, Lowe’s found a unique recipient of their yearly generosity – Patrick Henry Community College.
Store manager Mike Mayes and two associates, Taylor Lockamy and Mason Williams, brought the college dozens of buckets, boxes, and bags filled with approximately $4,000 worth of tools and personal equipment.
The tools will be given to students in PHCC’s constructions trades programs and other similar programs where hand tools and personal equipment is necessary for classwork.
Mayes chose the college as this year’s recipient when he learned how some students in the community college’s skilled-trades programs struggle to afford crucial gear like safety glasses, tool bags, and hand tools.
Many students rely on scholarships and other outside funding sources to cover their tuition, but these funds frequently don’t cover the cost of supplies.
Responding to this need, Lowe’s donation includes tools that students can use in the classroom and can take with them to the workplace when they graduate.
Included in the donation were AWP tool bags, Kobalt tape measures, wrenches, and screwdrivers, Craftsman hammers, and more.
“Analysts predict the current skilled trades gap will leave three million jobs open by 2028,” Mayes said. “Through donations like this and our Generation T movement, Lowe’s aims to empower those pursuing skilled trades, which provide high-growth career opportunities and the ability to be an entrepreneur.”
The donated items will help more than 20 students in programs like plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and electrical groundsman.
PHCC says for some students, donations like these are a huge help as they work to move out of poverty – or out of living paycheck to paycheck – to landing a secure, well-paying job.
Students interested in these career fields, should email wecd@patrickhenry.edu or call 276-656-0260.