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11

Aug, 2017

Port Arthur, Texas Lowe's Home Improvement gives Jefferson County PONY fresh start

Jefferson County PONY League in Groves, Texas' facilities were in need of a face lift. According to league president R C Picou, the outfield wood fences were separating the park from the community, the dugout roofs were in need of repair and some members of the community didn't even know teams were still playing at Hoffpuair Field.

According to R C, Picou's wife Sarah started to engage local businesses, and thankfully, Jefferson County's PONY League found one who wanted to step up to the plate. Port Arthur, Texas' Lowe's Home Improvement store 1151 and its staff went all-in, and according to R C, the support grew and grew over time, as one project turned into another and another.

"I could find no better way to give back to the community than to help the kids have a safe and fun ballpark," said Ross Icet, Lowe's 1151 store manager Ross. "When I was approached by the JCPL board president I knew this would provide an eternity of smiles, knowing we did something great for the kids."

So over 30 days, Lowe's staff and members of Jefferson County PONY League went to work. The park was refurbished in three phases. First, the shingles were replaced and will now last for the next 30 years. Then, all the buildings were painted, the old wood fences were discarded and new chain link fences were installed. New benches for the dugouts were put in, as well as new signage. Every building at the ballpark was repainted, including the bleachers. All the work was conducted by Lowe's associates, and those who participated at the ballpark.

All of the work that was completed was thanks to the Lowe's Heroes program. Through charitable giving and the help of Lowe’s Heroes volunteers, Lowe’s works to transform community spaces, improve educational opportunities and provide relief to communities impacted by disaster. Lowe's embraces teamwork as a core value and a key ingredient in maintaining an engaged work force. Lowe's believe that by working together, communities can build something better — for the company, its customers and local communities. Transforming lives one community at a time — that's been the mission of Lowe's Heroes since the volunteer program began in its stores more than 10 years ago. The program encourages employees in a location to team together, adopt a volunteer project with a local nonprofit organization or K–12 public school and make a difference. Every year each Lowe's store has the opportunity to give back to the community.

"It was a breath of fresh air," said R C Picou. "We've had people from the community stop and take pictures. It was a big deal. To me, this is a good time to have that turning point and head in another direction. The kids are feeling like they are a part of something. Whenever they walk in [the park], they have something to hold their heads up about."

As a way to say thank you and bring awareness to the community about the newly refurbished park (5699 W Washington Blvd, Groves, Texas), Jefferson County PONY League is planning on hosting a softball game with Lowe's associates Saturday. At the same time, the ballpark is currently doing fall ball registration and is hoping this will bring in more interested kids wanting to sign up to play PONY. So they encourage all the members of the Groves, Texas community to come on out and enjoy a good time at the park.

Check out the photo gallery below to see some of the amazing work done by Lowe's and the members of Jefferson County PONY.

(Click the image below to see all of the pictures)

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News Detail

11

Aug, 2017

Port Arthur, Texas Lowe's Home Improvement gives Jefferson County PONY fresh start

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