This month, as Lowe’s honors first responders, the focus is on neighbors. Across the U.S., 65% of firefighters are volunteers, the National Volunteer Fire Council says. Bringing more volunteers aboard keeps families safe when the alarm sounds. National First Responders Day is Oct. 28.
That is why a $105,000 Lowe’s Hometowns grant helped turn a Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department station near Chattanooga into a warm, practical base for service. The work prioritized what supports long shifts and a strong culture. The gathering room and kitchen are brighter. Restrooms, exercise space and bunk rooms are refreshed. Storage was added with a new outbuilding. A washer and dryer and sturdy patio seating round out the update.
“This upgrade will be like a magnet,” said Gerald Wilson, the volunteer who nominated the project. He expects more signups and more hours from current members, which means better coverage and faster response times.
Lowe’s store manager Joe Robertson rallied associates to work side by side with firefighters on Red Vest Day on Sept. 24. The crew kept the station open for calls while the makeover moved ahead. “It is about helping first responders help everyone else,” Robertson said.
Tri-Community is a volunteer agency serving Apison, Collegedale, East Brainerd and Ooltewah. Neighbors count on a steady pipeline of trained volunteers. This revamped space helps welcome the next wave and supports the people who already show up for their community.
The transformation in Tri-Community is one of the 100 hundred of Lowe’s Hometowns projects advancing the company’s 10 million square feet of impact, Lowe’s ongoing investment in the infrastructure of community care. Each renovated square foot reflects Lowe’s broader commitment to strengthen the places where neighbors live, work and serve.
Learn more at Lowes.com/hometowns and follow #LowesHometowns. For Lowe’s broader community commitment, visit Lowes.com/HowWeHelp
