When walking into Lowe’s store No. 1592, located off James L. Redman Parkway, in Plant City, you may think you have stepped into the jungle, instead of a hardware store.
A large display of a monkey’s face sits above the entrance, vines made out of green paper shamrocks string registers together and a 6-foot-tall gator stands atop a paper-towel display.
Since 2001, Lowe’s has supported the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign, an annual initiative to raise money for the battle against neuromuscular diseases.
The Plant City Lowe’s currently ranks at the top in the state in fundraising efforts.
Nearly $5.4 million was raised nationally last year by Lowe’s, with $7,454 coming from the Plant City location. According to Jeff Walker, who has volunteered and supported MDA fundraising efforts with Lowe’s since 2001, the Plant City store already has passed last year’s numbers, with $7,806 as of March 11. The campaign will continue through the end of the month.
SUPPORT
Money raised stays local, going to children with neuromuscular diseases in the Tampa Bay area. One of the beneficiaries is 5-year-old Brooklynn Rae Santos, who has been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy.
“That’s why I’m involved with this, because the money stays with local families,” Walker said.
Walker added the outpour of support from the community has been terrific and the main reason why the Plant City store has raised more than the other 91 stores.
“We can’t get the numbers we get without the support of the community,” he said.
LUCK O’ THE JUNGLE
In addition to leading the state in money raised, the Plant City store also won a decoration competition between stores with their shamrock jungle theme.
The theme came about from a vote, after members of Lowe’s Heroes, a volunteer group, wrote down ideas.
“It was a gradual process,” said Griselda Nunez, captain of the MDA campaign.
That idea grew into a large display, including a monkey over the main entrance and an alligator sporting the famous Lowe’s red vest.
Shamrocks can be bought at any location.