LYNN — More than 20 Lowe’s employees from the Danvers and Saugus locations rolled up their sleeves to help with renovations at the Lynn Shelter on Liberty Street on Wednesday.
The employees, also known as “red vest associates,” made progress by replacing carpeting on the staircases, installing vinyl plank flooring in common areas, and placing matte tile in the entrances.
“Its going to help people who stay here have a safe place. It’s rewarding to be able to help and give back to the community,” said Lowe’s Danvers store manager Tina Carra.
The project came together due to a Lowe’s Hometowns Grant of $85,000. Grant funds remaining at the end of the project can be used to purchase signage, storage, décor, paint, furniture, or other non-tech related items that beautify or increase functionality of the updated space.
Lynn Shelter Association was one of the 100 organizations across the country selected for the funding.
Lowe’s District Manager Kelly Mulherin said Lowe’s looks for organizations that “make the biggest impact in the community” when choosing grant recipients, which led the company to the Lynn Shelter Association.
“Right now, there’s a need for housing and for taking care of people who have fallen under hard times to give them a warm place to stay,” Mulherin said.
Kelly Gaule, Lynn Shelter Association chief development officer, gave insight as to why she believes the shelter’s grant proposal was effective.
“We have a compelling story,” Gaule said. “Providing people with an ability to live with dignity and respect is essential, and your environment dictates how you feel. An upgraded environment will upgrade how people feel. It’s about self esteem.”
Gaule continued, thanking Lowe’s for providing volunteer labor along with funding: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be recognized. It says a lot about the work we do.”
Lynn Shelter Association Board of Directors President Tom Cornu agreed.
Cornu said, “Lowe’s recognizes that Lynn Shelter Association takes care of so many people.”
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Lowe's associates volunteered on Wednesday to rip up the carpet of Lynn Shelter Association's Osmund Building as part of Lowe's $85,000 donation to replace the flooring.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Dirt falls out of a piece of carpet as Lowe's red vest associate George Pearson starts the floor replacement project at Lynn Shelter Association's Osmund Building.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
A crew of Lowe's red vest associates volunteered their time on Wednesday to tear out the old carpet of Lynn Shelter Association's Osmund Building as part of Lowe's $85,000 committment to replace the flooring of the building.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Lowe's red vest associates Jake Lessard , left, and George Pearson roll up a chunk of old carpet in Lynn Shelter Association's Osmund Building.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Lowe's red vest associate volunteers ues protective gloves as they cut through the old carpet at Lynn Shelter Association's Osmund Buidling.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Lowe's red vest associate Robert Smith carries rolled up old carpet to a wating dumpster as a team of Lowe's volunteers helps replace the floor of Lynn Shelter Association's Osmund Building.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Lowe's red vest associate Tina Carra rolls up a chunk of old carpet in Lynn Shelter Association's Osmund Building.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
A crew of Lowe's red vest associates volunteered their time on Wednesday to tear out the old carpet of Lynn Shelter Association's Osmund Building as part of Lowe's $85,000 committment to replace the flooring of the building.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Lowe's red vest associate George Pearson tears out a piece of old carpet in Lynn Shelter Association's Osmund Buidling.
