GREENVILLE — Ten male residents at the Michael Group Home were surprised Monday afternoon when members of Lowe’s Heroes showed up at the facility with Christmas gifts for them.
Lowe’s Heroes is a team comprised of Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Greenville employees who have been partnering with non-profit organizations to renovate facilities or fix them up for safety reasons.
Amanda Barger, case manager at the Michael Home for the past year and a residential counselor for six years before that, is a former employee of Lowe’s.
“I knew Lowe’s adopt someone in the community at holiday time, so I filled out our story and sent pictures,” Barger said.
“”Lowe’s was here this year at the Michael Home to do some renovations,” said Julie Crosby, Lowe’s human resource manager. “While here, the employees felt there was a need to help. The employees made cookbooks, had them printed and bound, and sold them for $10 each to friends and family members. The proceeds from those sales went for these gifts today.”
The boys collectively received a 50-inch high definition television for the wall, and in each gift bag, were footballs and other game balls; shower/toiletry kits; MP3 plays and headphones; and other gifts.
“We got as much joy out of this as anyone did,” said Crosby as she addressed the residents and staff at the Michael Home after the gifts were presented.
Earlier in the day, the Lowe’s staff came to the home to bake and decorate cookies with the boys.
In addition to Barger, the 11-member staff at the Michael Home is comprised of Director Scott Lind and residential counselors, Erin Seitz, Caitlin Kelly, Caleb Custer, Morgan Young, Amy Mong, Jeff York, Stephanie Kolb and Ashley Hanes.
Lowe’s staff attending the event included Julie Crosby; Laura Farnham, installation sales; Jennifer Thomas, project specialist; Andrew Elson of the paint department; Aerin Combs, cashier; Mark Howdieshell, appliance sales; and Greg Harshman, employee and Santa’s helper.
“Last year, we [Lowe’s Heroes] helped a homeless veteran get settled,” Crosby said. “And, in the past, we’ve helped with projects at the Boys and Girls Club, Greenville High School, Matt Light’s Chenoweth Trail and the Darke County Home.”
