Lowe’s Heroes volunteer thousands of hours each year to improve the places where they live and work.

Before the school bells ring to signal the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year, Lowe’s (Troy) Heroes will have put their handprints all over Pike County.

On Monday, Lowe’s Heroes were at Charles Henderson High School in Troy beginning a major facelift of the school’s main office. When that Hero’s project is completed, Lowe’s Heroes will go to Pike County High School in Brundidge to participate in a landscaping project.

Ashley Johnson, Human Resources Manager at Lowe’s Troy, said Lowe’s is always looking for ways to extend a helping hand in the communities where they are located.

“Lowe’s wants its employees to be involved in the community and offers them different opportunities to give back,” Johnson said. “The project at Charles Henderson High School will rehab the main office at a retail cost of between $5,000 and $6,000.”

Johnson said the project includes painting, replacing countertops, taking up the existing carpet, installing hardwood (vinyl) flooring and the rehabilitation of the common areas in the office building.

“It’s a good rehab project for our Heroes and they are excited to be a part of doing something for the kids,” Johnson said.

Brock Kelly, CHHS assistant principal, said the Lowe’s rehab project is a dream come true for the school.

“We can’t thank Lowe’s enough,” Kelly said. “When Ashley Johnson came and asked for a list of needs, I had no idea of anything like this. We just kept mentioning things and Lowe’s kept saying yes. It’s incredible for Lowe’s to do something like this for the school.”

Johnson and Kelly said the focus of the rehabilitation is the main office because that’s where there is the greatest amount of traffic.

“Everybody comes here. Students, teachers, parents, visitors,” Kelly said. “This is where we make a first impression.  Now it’s going to be an even more positive first impression.”

The rehab project also includes a safety feature, a mirror tint to the windows that allows for seeing out but doesn’t allow those on the outside to see inside.

“We want to thank Lowe’s and all of the employees who are working and will work on this project,” Kelly said. “They are making a difference.”

And, that is the goal of Lowe’s Heroes program.

“At Lowe’s, we want our employees to make a difference in the communities where they work through our different volunteer programs,” Johnson said. “Our employees are willing and eager to be a part of the Heroes’ program and appreciate the opportunity to make a difference in the community and in the lives of others.”