Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a $5,000 Toolbox for Education grant to Tustin Memorial Academy in Tustin for renovation of the school’s multipurpose room. Tustin Memorial is one of more than 480 schools or parent organizations to be awarded a Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant for parent-initiated school improvement projects benefiting K-12 public education across the United States during the 2010-11 school year.

“We will renovate our school's 55-year old multipurpose room which is a central meeting place for both the school and our community,” Principal Wendy Hudson said. “We plan to build a stage, install black-out window coverings, add stage curtains and install cabinetry to display student trophies and awards. The project is scheduled to be completed in the summer.”

“Through Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant program, we are acknowledging parent-initiated efforts that enhance the lives of children in the communities we serve," said Larry D. Stone, chairman of Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. "By lending our support to [name of school], we are rallying behind a cause that is important to both our customers and employees, and we're helping to build a stronger foundation for the children who will be tomorrow's employees, homeowners and community leaders."

Launched in partnership with PTO Today, a leading organization serving parent-teacher groups, the Toolbox for Education program has provided more than $20 million through more than 5,000 grants since its inception five years ago. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to public schools in the U.S. for a wide range of improvement projects and large schools or school districts may be eligible to receive Toolbox grants up to $100,000 for school improvement initiatives. All K-12 public schools in the United States are eligible. Parent groups may apply by visiting www.toolboxforeducation.com.

Since its inception in 1957, Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has helped communities nationwide through employee volunteerism and financial contributions.