The YMCA at Virginia Tech is creating a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Community Resource Center to expand support programs. With plans underway, adding new doors, windows, flooring, paint, lighting, bathrooms, storage space, HVAC, office and meeting space and a kitchenette would prepare this center for the real work to begin.

THRIVE served 18,000 people last year with emergency financial assistance, financial coaching, and food pantry services out of a 2,500 square foot office building. To increase capacity, THRIVE will renovate a new headquarters with a new roof, siding, paint and signage to be a central hub of aid, serving approximately 30,000 residents per year.

Maybeury Elementary Learning Garden wants to improve children's diets through exposure to fresh produce and nutrition education. In partnership with Fit4Kids, this outdoor learning space would be a place where students can blossom. Raised garden beds, a new fence, shade structures and a pavilion for lessons will be added. Irrigation, fruit trees, trash receptacles and native plants all play a role in the learning that will take place in this beautiful backdrop.

The Galax Volunteer Fire Department has long educated school aged children on fire prevention. This took place in a camper built by Surrey Fire Concept but is unfortunately no longer functional. The Lowe’s Hometowns grant will enable a complete renovation of the camper, including structural changes, a new generator, wheels, linoleum, and carpet, so it can safely continue to serve as an educational resource for the community.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Mountain Empire is a place built to inspire and enable all youth. The Club needs new flooring and a full-service kitchen with a large refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and an area for kids to sit. All of this would ensure more children receive a meal so that they don’t go home hungry. Upgrades to this facility will ensure the community’s youth have a great place to grow, learn, and feel safe.