Lowe's builds new storage space for Jamison Children's Center

Sep. 26—It was a little bit like an old-fashioned barn raising.

The neighbors arrived bright and early Tuesday morning, and began hammering and building, turning raw lumber into an actual useful structure.

The difference was, the "neighbors" were all employees of Lowe's Home Improvement, and the "barn" was a much-needed storage shed at Jamison Children's Center in east Bakersfield.

"These guys have been here since 7:30 this morning putting this shed up for us," Cindy Uetz, chief deputy director at the Kern County Department of Human Services, said Tuesday afternoon.

The children's center, which has been at its Shalimar Drive location since its groundbreaking in 1979, was chosen to be a recipient of the Lowe's Community Impact Project. The Jamison project is one of 100 community projects nationwide that are expected to be completed this year as part of Lowe's Hometowns, the company's largest-ever community impact program.

Launched in 2022, Lowe's Hometowns is a five-year, $100 million commitment from the retailer to rebuild and revitalize community spaces nationwide.

"This is one of those things that sets us apart from other retailers," said Darrin Williams, store manager at the Lowe's on Columbus Street.

Williams led a crew of associates from all three of the Lowe's stores in Bakersfield. All of the workers were dressed in Lowe's blue, and they were there to work.

"We have wonderful shoppers, and we have wonderful partners here at the Jamison Center," Williams said. "And it's our job to give back."

Tuesday's project was a 20-foot-long outdoor shed, which will be used to store recreational equipment and other supplies for the 1,500 children who pass through the Jamison Center each year.