Billings Fire Dept. and Head Start Receive Generous Donations from Lowes

Exciting donation news for two Billings entities.

The Billings Fire Department and the Billings Head Start program were both recent recipients of the Lowe's Hometowns initiative. This year, the home improvement giant selected 100 projects spread across 44 states. Two were selected in Montana, both in Billings.

The City of Billings Fire Department received $280,000.

The Lowe's Hometowns grant for $280,000 will fund the interior remodel of Fire Station 5 on 24th St West to replace failing infrastructure and provide private bedrooms and bathrooms for the dedicated firefighters who serve the community 24/7.

Trending: What To Expect At Laurel's 4th Of July Celebration

Billings Head Start received $50,000.

At a time when public funding for education services may be in limbo, this generous donation to Billings Head Start is much appreciated. Janice King, Executive Director, said they were nominated by a community member for the Lowe's Hometown grant, and after completing a rigorous approval process, they're excited about receiving the funds.

Get our free mobile app

The Lowe's Hometowns grant to Billings Head Start will be used to replace aging playground equipment, build two new greenhouses, storage sheds, two new "buddy benches", and surface work at their main office next to North Park. King said demo and cleanup have already begun this week. Lowe's volunteers will help build the new improvements.

Opinion: Big corporations often get flak for "not supporting local," but in many cases, they do. McDonald's gives millions to the Ronald McDonald Houses across the US, including ours in Billings. Surabaru donates millions with its Share the Love program, including a recent sizeable donation to Billings Family Service. Lowe's is yet another example of corporate local giving that has a big impact on our community.