While firefighters, law enforcement, EMS crews, and K-9 teams faced down wildfires across Colorado on the Fourth of July, a group of Lowe’s associates spent their holiday finding ways to show these local heroes just how much their community cares.
At Lowe’s Colorado Springs, Store Manager Michelle Archuleta and her leadership team started their morning filling coolers with everything they thought first responders might need: sturdy gloves, headlamps, batteries, electrolyte packets, snacks and a few thoughtful extras. But they didn’t just drop the coolers off at a station. They loaded up their cars and drove out to hand-deliver them straight to the crews working on the front lines.
While most were busy with barbecues and fireworks, Archuleta’s team had just one thing on their minds: getting supplies into the hands of first responders as quickly as possible.
“When we heard we were going to get an opportunity to support, Shield 616 was the first organization my assistant store manager, Jake, and I thought to reach out to,” Archuleta said. “It wasn't about what day it was. It was about getting these items into their hands as fast as possible. We didn't even realize what day it was until the end of the day. We just knew they asked, and we had the ability to help.”
Coolers packed and cars loaded, the team set out to deliver these much-needed supplies right to the people battling the fires.
“It was personal. It was real. It was heartbreaking to see all the homes, land and animals lost,” Archuleta said. “To see our country's real-life heroes come together to help. These men and women work around the clock to ensure they are doing everything they can to put the fire out. It was an overwhelming feeling to shake their hands, share a laugh and give them ice. They were so happy to have ice. What we did was small in comparison to what they are doing. I personally felt honored to help.”
One moment from the deliveries has stayed with Archuleta.
“They were just kids, the ones on the front lines, just kids,” she said. “I have a 21-year-old and a 19-year-old. These heroes looked just like my kids. They were covered in soot, smelled of fire and were still so thankful for someone to come up to where they were to bring a small care package and thank them. They had just come down to regroup, plan and go back in. I don't think, as we watch it from the outside, we grasp how hard they are all working and what that really looks like.”
For Archuleta, this effort was just another example of the kind of team she’s proud to work alongside every day.
“This was above and beyond what the job calls for us to do. Our store is very passionate about supporting our communities and is always the first to step up and help. This was an experience I never hoped we would have to go through, but one that made our hearts full to know we can help make a small difference.”
When asked what she hopes first responders felt from this gesture, Archuleta kept it simple.
“That we care, we appreciate them and know that nothing is too big or too small to ask for to support where we can.”
