Tuesday, February 14, 2012 1:42 pm

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded 16 Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grants in Tennessee. These schools received grants during the fall 2011 grants cycle, which encompassed more than 585 schools and parent organizations that were awarded a grant for parent-initiated school improvement projects benefiting K-12 public education across the United States.

West Side School in Readyville received a $3,000 grant, which will be used for playground renovation.

 “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."

Launched in partnership with PTO Today, a leading organization serving parent-teacher groups, the Toolbox for Education program has provided nearly $30 million through more than 6,000 grants since its inception in 2006. The grants have affected more than 3.7 million schoolchildren.

Grants are available to public schools in the United States for a wide range of improvement projects and large schools or school districts may be eligible to receive Toolbox grants up to $100,000 for school improvement initiatives. All K-12 public schools in the United States are eligible. Parent groups may apply by visiting www.toolboxforeducation.com.   

Since its inception in 1957, Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has helped communities nationwide through employee volunteerism and financial contributions.