FLETCHER, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Six Lowe’s employees rolled up their sleeves Monday morning to help Fletcher firefighters begin a long-awaited kitchen makeover.

The renovation, funded by a Lowe’s Community Impact Grant, will give Fletcher Fire and Rescue a more open and functional kitchen, complete with new cabinets, countertops and appliances.

Employees from the Hendersonville Lowe’s store joined firefighters Oct. 12 to begin tearing out the old kitchen.

For firefighters, the kitchen is more than a place to prepare meals. It’s where crews gather between emergency calls, share meals and spend time together during long shifts.

Firefighters have used the kitchen around the clock for years, and the department said it was time for an upgrade.

J.D. Kvancz, manager of the Hendersonville Lowe’s store, said six employees volunteered to help with demolition and will return to assist with installing cabinets, countertops and painting.

“We’re doing most of the demo today,” Kavancz said.

The fire department also has its own crew working on the renovation.

Kvancz said the project could be finished before Thanksgiving, depending on when the new cabinets arrive and how the remaining work progresses.

The amount of the grant was not immediately available.

Other WNC organizations receive Lowe’s grants

Fletcher Fire and Rescue is one of several Western North Carolina organizations receiving Lowe’s Community Impact Grants this year.

In Swannanoa, Swannanoa Communities Together received funding to expand a disaster recovery hub established after Tropical Storm Helene.

The group plans to turn the recovery hub into a permanent community center and public garden. Plans include classrooms, office space and places where residents can get food and other assistance.

In West Asheville, The Salvation Army received a grant to renovate outdoor space at its community center. The improvements will give people who use the center a better place to gather.

The grants are part of Lowe’s five-year, $100 million commitment to improving community spaces across the country.

Kavancz said the Hendersonville store also helped with a beautification project at Jackson Park last year.