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Kinston launches Tool Shed Program with Lowe’s donation to help residents maintain properties
Summary
The Planning Department will launch a free tool-lending program June 1, 2026, to help Kinston residents maintain properties; borrowers must register with ID and proof of residency, sign waivers, and may check out limited tools on a short-term basis. Lowe’s donated equipment to stock the shed.
The City of Kinston will launch a Tool Shed Program on June 1, 2026, offering free short-term lending of lawn- and property-maintenance tools to residents who lack equipment, Planning and Code Enforcement Director Elizabeth Blount told the Council.
Blount said the program is aimed at noncommercial users inside city limits and is the result of roughly two years of planning with Kinston’s Lowe’s Home Improvement. Lowe’s donated equipment sufficient to stock an 8-by-10 shed. Community Development Planner Jordan Kearney explained operational details: borrowers must complete a one-time policy acknowledgment and registration that requires a government-issued ID and proof of Kinston residency; staff will verify documents before approving checkouts. Each checkout requires a signed liability waiver and borrowers may request up to three tools per project with no more than one lawnmower per request. Pickup and return will be Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 AM to noon at City Hall during the April–November growing season.
Director Blount stressed the program is “not a mechanism for starting a lawn care business,” and told the Council borrowers are prohibited from charging others for services performed with city-loaned equipment. Council members asked about fuel, transport for residents without vehicles, and liability; staff said equipment will be provided with fuel at pickup and that borrowers may arrange assistance for transport but the borrower must accompany the person who helps with pickup. Council Members suggested reviving volunteer programs to help seniors and residents who need transport assistance.
Assistant Store Manager Melissa of the local Lowe’s addressed the Council and described the store’s broader community-volunteer goals. Mayor Kareem S. Moore and Council Members thanked staff and Lowe’s for the partnership and described the program as one piece of broader revitalization efforts to improve neighborhood appearance.
