In Louisville, Kentucky, and cities like it across the country, Lowe’s is helping neighbors write the next chapter of community revitalization, one “bucket list” project at a time.
“I love the concept of giving back. I love that you all are trying to maintain partnerships with the community and the needs in the community,” said Louisville resident Jasmine Bridges, who has lived in the city all her life. “I think that’s so important. And it, of course, makes me want to continue to shop at Lowe’s. Being a good steward to the community, that’s what it’s about.”
Bridges stopped at a community bucket list pop-up at her local store, where shoppers were invited to share one project that would make their neighborhood stronger, from safer spaces to healthier food access. Her wish was clear: more community gardens, fewer food deserts.
“Especially in certain parts of Louisville, there’s a food desert, very little access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” she said. “I’d love to see more community gardens instead of liquor stores and junk food stores.”
She imagines Lowe’s partnering with local universities to provide education while the company provides supplies, empowering residents to grow and share what they need. “Let them be involved in something that they can be proud of and take ownership of,” she said. “Give it to the homeless, give it to kids after school and have a fresh stop.”
Inside the Louisville store, Pro ASM Desiree Hernandez sees the bucket list as a way to show what Lowe’s can do beyond everyday purchases.
“When you think about Lowe’s, naturally you’re like, ‘I want some plants. I need a hammer,’” she said. “But nobody really thinks, ‘What can Lowe’s do to help me reconstruct this area so that we are able to get more together?’”
Her store serves a diverse, highly engaged community, she said, including pros who bring ideas on how Lowe’s can get involved. For Hernandez, revitalization is personal: Her own bucket list includes helping her Catholic parish add a handicap ramp and ensuring Spanish-speaking neighbors understand how Lowe’s can support their projects. “I’m fluent in Spanish, so it’s about getting the Hispanic community to also understand what Lowe’s can bring,” she said.
Contractor and customer Michael Nusser initially assumed the table in the aisle was about selling something new.
What changed his mind was learning how the company is investing in local projects and asking customers where that support is needed most. His bucket list included turning an unused space in his church into a safe space for people in crisis.
“It actually impresses me very much because normally you go into places, they’re selling you new tools or whatever,” he said. “Here you’re actually listening to human beings.”
Events like Louisville’s bucket list are one part of Lowe’s broader commitment to community revitalization. Through major initiatives and local grants, the company has pledged $100 million to community organizations and supported hundreds of grantees and thousands of projects nationwide.
For associates like Hernandez, that commitment shows up one neighbor conversation at a time.
“We’re here for you all and we’re here for the community,” she said.
In Louisville and beyond, customers like Bridges and Nusser are helping define what that looks like, proving that the next chapter of community revitalization is something to write together.
Nominate a project and share your community “bucket list” at Lowes.com/BucketList to help neighbors across the country bring revitalization ideas to life.
