When Christian McCaffrey first entered the National Football League, he knew he wanted to get involved philanthropically and he knew he wanted to focus on helping veterans.
“The men and women who serve, I want to give back to them,” McCaffrey said.
McCaffrey just needed to find the right team to help make it all possible, and he found it with Lowe’s.
The Panthers running back is a member of the Lowe’s Home Team for the second consecutive year, and on Tuesday, he joined Lowe’s Pros, Lowe’s store associates and Purple Heart Homes to unveil critical home repairs for decorated Korean War veteran Grover Monk, who lives in Concord, North Carolina.
“The fun part for me is figuring out how we can help our veterans,” McCaffrey said. “I don’t have all the answers, but I know I have the right team and the right people around me so we can continue to take care of people like Mr. Monk.”
Lowe’s funded the initiative, and Lowe’s Pros contractors collaborated with Purple Heart Homes to improve the house while also making it safer and more accessible. The renovations include:
- re-built roof
- front door installation
- front porch and ramp construction
- handicapped accessible bathroom
- window replacement
- new HVAC
- new paint
- new kitchen and washer
- landscaping
- butterfly garden in memory of his wife
“Making the home more convenient for Mr. Monk is really cool to see,” McCaffrey said after taking a tour. “It’s a wonderful thing that Lowe’s is doing with Purple Heart Homes and I’m just happy to be a part of it. This is so fun for me.”
McCaffrey teamed up with Lowe’s executive vice president of stores Joe McFarland to nail in the final boards for the porch ramp.
Later they joined Lowe’s executive vice president, chief brand and marketing officer Marisa Thalberg to plant flowers in front of the house.
“This is something that is core to what Lowe’s does,” Thalberg said. “We exist to make homes better for everyone. There is something about being in the community and seeing it in action that is so powerful.”
Monk’s son Andy watched in awe as the final stages of the renovation neared completion. Andy lives in the home and is his father’s primary caregiver. He couldn’t believe it when he was first told about the project, and it’s still sinking in.
“I was in tears that day when we found out,” he said with a signed McCaffrey helmet in his hand. “It’s breathtaking. I never expected all this. The house is just perfect for dad.”
Then Andy looked up at the new spacious porch and pictured his family. “We’re going to sit out on that deck right there and enjoy it.”
McFarland, a veteran who proudly wears the Lowe’s camouflaged vest, closed his remarks with the line everyone had been waiting to hear.
“Monk family – welcome home.”
Sadly, Grover Monk passed away a few weeks after renovations at his home were completed. Lowe's sends heartfelt condolences to the family and is thankful for his service.
