MENASHA, Wis. (WBAY) — A local contractor and a team from Lowe’s of Oshkosh are distributing free buckets of cleaning supplies and helping clear driveways for storm victims in Menasha.
John Delaney, store manager at Lowe’s of Oshkosh, said the effort is part of a program the store calls the Bucket Brigade.
“We’re out in Menasha. We’re distributing buckets full of cleaning supplies,” Delaney said. “Biggest need right now is trash bags, gloves, sunscreen, that kind of stuff.”
‘Bucket Brigade’ stocked by Lowe’s employees
Delaney said the buckets are stocked by Lowe’s employees for situations involving natural disasters.
“These are buckets that are stocked by Lowe’s employees for, specifically, instances like this — where there’s a natural disaster and the community needs our help,” Delaney said.
Justin Kabitsky, district asset protection manager for Lowe’s, said the disaster affects both the broader community and store employees.
“You look at the associates we have in our stores and not only does it affect the community, but we have people that work for Lowe’s, that live out in the community,” Kabitsky said.
Contractor joined effort after reaching out to Lowe’s
Luis Martinez, owner of MRT Renovations of Oshkosh, brought his van and trailer to help distribute supplies and clear streets. Delaney said Martinez reached out to the store asking how he could help.
“He came out on Tuesday of this week to help clear some streets,” Delaney said. “And he said, I know where people need the help. He’s just like, hey, let’s go.”
Martinez said he came out alone Thursday while his crew continued work at a job site.
“You still have jobs to get done. People that are counting on you — paying customers,” Martinez said. “It’s definitely kind of rough, but people need our help. So I’d rather be out there helping people. They can call me any time.”
Martinez said the effort reflects a broader responsibility.
“It is important because we’re a community and we need to stick together and we need to help each other,” Martinez said.
Delaney said the collaboration reflects the response the disaster has drawn.
“It truly is everyone coming together just to help each other out. And you need it in a disaster like this,” Delaney said.
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