Lowe's Release

POMPANO BEACH FL (8.05.08) – Lowe’s Home Improvement stores have come to the rescue of nine disabled children made homeless by a fire at their group home facility in Pompano Beach.

On Monday, August 4th a fiery blaze forced the displacement of nine disabled children as they watched smoke and fire destroy the only home many of them have ever had.

All nine residents were safely evacuated thanks to the quick thinking of two Broward Children’s Center employees and they are permanently being cared for at the Center’s Respite Home nearby.

Unfortunately the home was not so lucky, it sustained significant damage. Because all of the children are medically fragile the home must meet several stringent health guidelines before it is safe and habitable for the residents once again.

Not even two days after the story made the local news, Lowe’s came to the rescue. Steve Piszczynski, Store Manager of the Pompano Beach Lowes, called the Center on Tuesday with the good news that Lowe’s had decided to adopt the Group Home as their Community Project.

“Lowe’s is always looking for ways to help out our community. When we heard the news on Monday, and after having seen the home first hand weeks before on a visit, we knew we had to do something.” Said Piszczynski. “So we got a bunch of the stores from the district to join us and now we have the means to really make a huge impact on the lives of these children.”

Lowe’s will begin working with Broward Children’s Center on renovating the home once the damage has been assessed.

“It is not going to be an easy task, but we are beyond grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from the community and we could not ask for better partners than Lowe’s in helping us rebuild the home.” said Center CEO Marjorie Evans. “With this help Lowes has demonstrated what it means to be a truly civic-minded corporation that cares about those in need in our shared community and we are extremely appreciative for their support.”

Lowe’s and BCC are working together to finalize a project date that will see hundreds of Lowe’s volunteers at the Group Home for the restoration. If you would like more information on how you can help, please contact Thor Barraclough at 954.410.4410.

For more than 37 years, Broward Children’s Center has been providing medical, educational, and advocacy services to infants, children, and young adults with special needs.