Mona Daughtry is as “at home” on a fork lift as she is mixing chemicals in a lab.

And, she has spent a lot of time doing both.

Daughtry was the guest speaker at the Brundidge Rotary Club Wednesday. She was there to talk about Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation Grant Program and to make the Rotarians more aware of Lowe’s involvement in the community.

Daughtry has been with Lowe’s for 17 years in multiple capacities. She is currently in ProServices but is also a specialist in cabinets, outdoor power equipment and live nursery.

She has a degree from Troy University in chemistry and biology. She worked as a clinical scientist at Troy Regional Medical Center for 25 years and has 10 years of service in the Navy.

She brings all of her experiences to her position at Lowe’s and she makes it her business to be customer friendly.

“If you need something or need to know something just ask,” she told the Rotarians. “We’re there to help and we want to help.”

Lowe’s is a community-minded company and invests about $15 million a year in grant funding to charitable organizations across the country.

Daughtry’s main topic of discussion Wednesday was Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation Grants (LCEF Grants).

Daughtry said the LCEF Grants is the program that would attract the most interest from communities like Brundidge

“These grants are for K-12 public schools and community improvement projects and include public gathering spaces such as parks, community centers and clubs for young people,” she said. “Lowe’s investment in the LCEF Grants program is about $3 million annually. These grants are highly competitive nationwide because multiple organizations are eligible.”

She highlighted Lowe’s Small and Large Toolbox for education programs which are designed for K-12 public/charter school improvement projects.

“Lowe’s is involved in Habitat for Humanity,” Daughtry said.

“Lowe’s offers grants to help build Habitat Homes and we have been involved in the building several Habitat houses here in Pike County.

“Lowe’s is also involved with the Boys and Girls Club here in Troy which serves Pike and surrounding counties. Lowe’s offers grants to these clubs mainly for club rehabilitation.”

Lowe’s Skills USA offers grant awards for education, community service and state teamwork competitions and CareerSafe vouchers for students in construction trades.

“Grants are also available to fund rehabilitation and home modification for those who are in wheelchairs or require modifications to their homes to accommodate a disability,” Daughtry said.