Front row, from left, Erin Stone, Wayne Ladouceur and Krista Shorette. Second row, Rachel Byrd, Nicole Sharpe, Lyndsi Mason, Illene Lashomb, Shelby Lassial, Betty Kirby, Kristi Simmons, Todd Palmer, Rick Borczuk and Brittany Adams. Back, Codey Matthews, Greg Fredericks, Eric Stevens, Michelle Ashley, Mike Cusano Bob Ethridge, Bill LaFlair and Hank Massia.

OGDENSBURG -- Every year employees from Lowe’s in Ogdensburg participate in a community service project through the retailer’s Lowes Heroes program. This year, the residents of United Helpers RiverLedge campus were the benefactors of the store’s 2015 effort.

For the project, a team of roughly 20 volunteers spent a day working at RiverLedge, planting trees and flowers, building flower beds, installing solar lights and even constructing a fountain that will serve as a centerpiece of the garden for many years to come.

Store manager Rick Borczuk said when it came time to pick a project for this year, it didn’t take long for something with United Helpers to be discussed

“We try to focus on non-profit organizations that help other people and United Helpers, in this area, is very big in the area of caring for others,” he said. “We’ve had a great relationship with them over the years.”

RiverLedge Administrator Timothy J. Parsons said he’s thankful for the Lowe’s Heroes and their efforts at RiverLedge.

“We’re appreciative of Lowe’s and what they’re doing to enhance the beauty of our property,” he said. “They’ve been amazing to work with and it’s great to see the work they’re doing to benefit our residents.”

RiverLedge Director of Buildings and Grounds Bill LaFlair echoed those sentiments.

“On behalf of the maintenance department and the entire United Helpers RiverLedge community, I would like to thank Lowes employees for volunteering their time and effort,” he said. “Their professionalism was matched by their helpfulness. They were great to work with in attitude and energy, working well with each other and with our staff to complete this project.”

While the crew did several small landscaping projects around the property, the centerpiece is a new garden area in “the circle” that includes weeping cherry trees which are surrounded by geraniums and other flowers, as well as lighted posts each decorated with a hanging basket. This all surrounds a beautiful stone fountain, which will help to bring peace and serenity to the residents for years.

Borczuk also noted that while the project was completed using a team of employees from Lowes, those working at RiverLedge that day weren’t on the clock.

“Everybody who is here is on their own time. We’re not paying our associates to be here, they’re doing it on their own time and in some cases sacrificing their day off.”