Thursday, February 14, 2013 9:54 am

Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded 18 Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grants in the state of Tennessee, totaling more than $83,000.

Cannon County Schools received a $5,000 grant.

These schools received grants during the fall 2012 grants cycle, which encompassed more than 550 schools and parent organizations that were awarded a grant for parent-initiated school improvement projects benefiting K-12 public education across the United States.

 Grant money will be used for projects including outdoor classrooms, community gardens, playground refurbishment, gymnasium repairs and other critical repair needs identified by the schools.

“Through Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant program, we are acknowledging parent-initiated efforts that enhance the learning environments of children in the communities we serve," said Marshall Croom, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. "By supporting schools in Tennessee, we are rallying behind a cause that is important to both our customers and employees, and we're helping to build a stronger foundation for the children who will be tomorrow's employees, homeowners and community leaders."

Since its inception in 2006, Lowe’s Toolbox for Education has provided more than $34 million in grants to 7,500 schools, benefiting more than 4 million schoolchildren. Grants are available to K-12 public schools in the United States for a wide range of improvement projects. Large schools or school districts may be eligible to receive Toolbox grants up to $100,000. Parent groups and educators can apply by visiting ToolboxForEducation.com.