This June, the Pasadena Educational Foundation teamed up with Lowe’s to create a vibrant new outdoor learning space at Don Benito Elementary. The event brought together corporate volunteers and local educators to support students impacted by the Eaton Fire.
Held on June 13, 2025, the Lowe’s Volunteer Service Day focused on building and installing new raised garden beds to transform an underutilized area into a hands-on classroom for environmental learning and wellness. The energy was high from the start as teams of volunteers assembled beds, filled them with soil, and planted a variety of vegetables and herbs. By noon, a garden was growing.
“This garden is more than just a learning space, it’s a symbol of what we can do when the community comes together to support our students,” said Patrick Conyers, Executive Director of the Pasadena Educational Foundation. “We’re deeply grateful to Lowe’s for their generous support and commitment to student wellness and outdoor education.”
This effort is part of a broader initiative supported by Lowe’s to strengthen school gardens and student wellness across Pasadena Unified School District, especially for students adapting to new spaces following fire-related displacement. Thanks to their generous donation of materials and time, Don Benito’s new outdoor classroom will serve as a space for healing, growth, and discovery for years to come.
Heartfelt thanks to the Lowe’s team, whose corporate and local volunteers brought energy, care, and a shared vision to help create a space where students can grow and thrive!
