 Few partnerships have produced more visible results than that of Trailside Elementary and Lowes’s Home Improvement store. That’s because each time you enter the building, you pass the impressive landscaping that was the result of a beautification project between Trailside and Lowe’s.
Trailside Principal Patrick Freeman and Lowe’s manager Craig Smith began discussing the need for beautification efforts in 2007. Lowe’s employees visited the site, identified areas in need of improvement, and itemized the necessary supplies and equipment. They donated 225 bags of decorative bark, a wheelbarrow, rakes, hoses, and pruning tools to complete the project.
In addition to lending expertise and supplies to the school’s beautification project, Lowe’s contributed a $50 gift certificate to be used as a staff incentive during the school’s annual United Way charity drive.
Lowe’s also participated in Trailside’s Family Fun Night, donating wooden crafts and sending an employee to help participants complete the projects. Over 100 people participated in this event!
Thanks to the partnership with Lowe’s, Trailside students learn that community members can work together to improve their surroundings. In addition, students get to see excellent role models who are interested in them that come from outside the school setting.
To thank Lowe’s for its generosity, Trailside advertises for the company in its monthly newsletter and on the school web site. The Trailside music teacher, Linda Bender, took students to Lowe’s to put on a holiday program for employees. In addition, students have created artistic thank you notes for the store’s staff lounge.
Lowe’s demonstrates excellent stewardship and is a supportive and willing business partner. Thanks to this partnership, current and future members of the Trailside community have a more beautiful walk to school each day! |
