Home Depot, Kinross and Komatsu help plant trees, repaint and repair playgrounds at Sage and Mound Valley schools

Jessica Harris, principal for Sage and Mound Valley campuses, told the board the schools received multiple community-supported improvements this summer: 12 trees and flowers planted at Sage Elementary and a full repaint and playground resurfacing at Mound Valley Elementary.

"Home Depot and Ruby Rose Landscaping...donated all of their time, equipment, and all of the beautiful trees and flowers, and we planted 12 trees around our campus," Harris said, explaining the projects were initiated by community volunteers who approached school staff.

Todd Lugan, frontline supervisor at Kinross Nevada, described organizing volunteer crews from the mine site to wire-wheel and repaint playground equipment, replace siding, and repair the flagpole. He said volunteers donated time, materials and money and that the group completed major work in a multi-day effort.

Caleb Heinrich, operations manager and community captain at the Elko Home Depot, said the store uses corporate grant programs to partner with nonprofits and reported Home Depot has secured a little over $50,000 in grants in the year to date. "This year, we've done 6 grant projects, so far. A little over $50,000 in grants from Home Depot," Heinrich said.

Scott Manoukian, speaking for Komatsu, said Komatsu donated the flagpole and was pleased to assist: "we were more than overjoyed to help, with the flag."

Harris and board members thanked the companies and volunteers for the work. The presentation was informational; no district action was required or taken at the meeting.

Board members and the superintendent praised the partnerships as examples of community problem-solving and noted such efforts help the district concentrate resources where they are most needed.