ATLANTA, June 2, 2019 — When a child’s home-away-from-home gets a refresh, it’s a big deal. More than 100 kids and teens gathered at The Salvation Army Peachcrest Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta on Wednesday to see the unveiling of their brand-new gym. The event marked the start of Renovation Across the Nation 2019, an annual initiative to repair and refurbish Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide. Each selected Club will receive a $50,000 grant and hands-on support from associate volunteers of Lowe’s.
“Our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America dates back 10 years, providing much needed critical repairs to Clubs throughout the country,” said Marvin Ellison, president and chief executive officer of Lowe’s. “With one Club located within 15 miles of every Lowe’s store, we are committed to ensuring all kids and teens have a safe place to learn and grow, and that engagement is meaningful for our associates, as well.”
TNT Sports Analyst and former NBA star Kenny Smith partnered with Lowe’s to fully gut and renovate the gym at The Salvation Army Peachcrest Boys & Girls Club so more than 115 Club members may use it daily to engage in programs that promote teamwork and staying active. The renovation includes a brand new court, hoops, scoreboard and new paint. Lowe’s associate volunteers from across the Atlanta market, called Lowe’s Heroes, also installed new tile around the Clubhouse.
“It feels good to know that youth at this Atlanta area Boys & Girls Club will have access to a nice space where they can engage in physical activity, as I know firsthand the positive impact sports can have on a young child,” said Smith. “Teaming up with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Lowe’s is very important to me, because I know creating a safe environment that allows kids and teens to be themselves will have a positive impact on their future.”
Now in its fourth year, Renovation Across the Nation, the largest Club renovation initiative undertaken by Lowe’s and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, will bring renovations to more than 25 Clubs nationwide. By the end of 2019, the initiative will have improved more than 175 Clubs with nearly $10 million worth of renovations ranging from disaster relief to critical infrastructure upgrades to newly updated spaces designed for like the arts or sports.
More than 4.7 million youth in America, ages 6 to 18, spend out-of-school time at Boys & Girls Clubs, where they receive support and encouragement to help prepare for life after graduation. With the renewal of this $1.25 million grant from Lowe’s, Boys & Girls Clubs of America can continue to expand Club offerings and further reach more kids and teens who need us most. Clubs selected for Renovation Across the Nation will be notified in June.
“The renovation of the gym at our Club will have a tremendous impact on the lives of children that we serve,” Joshua Dickerson, Executive Director, The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Atlanta. “The gym will allow us to serve more teens through physical activities such as basketball, volleyball, and aerobics. The renovation is a part of our ongoing effort to have all members commit a minimum of 30 minutes per day to physical exercise and movement.”