MENU
GARY, IND. — Today, Mayor Eddie Melton announced a collaborative partnership with Lowe’s and Gary native and NBA star Darius Garland to accelerate ongoing storm recovery operations and provide critical assistance to residents impacted by the recent severe weather.
In a massive show of support for his hometown, Garland and his family are leading the charge with a significant financial contribution to direct local relief efforts.
"Gary, Indiana is my hometown. It made me who I am. Right now, my hometown is hurting," said Garland. "That's why today, my family and I are donating $100K to the Greater Gary Storm Recovery and Relief Fund at the Legacy Foundation, a community foundation for Lake County, to help address the most urgent needs of residents. My foundation, The Darius Garland Foundation, and I are also actively working with other organizations and the Mayor's Office to find additional ways to support my community and get essential resources to those who need them most."
The donation to the Legacy Foundation will be deployed immediately to address urgent housing, infrastructure, and resource needs for families who have been displaced or suffered property damage.
Complementing the Garland family’s financial commitment, Lowe’s has stepped in as a corporate partner to supply necessary materials, tools, and volunteer support to assist in clearing debris and repairing structural damage across Gary’s neighborhoods.
"The outpouring of love and support from Darius and his family, combined with the ground-level corporate support from Lowe’s, represents a great step forward in our recovery process," said Mayor Eddie Melton. "When crises hit, the true character of our community shines. Darius is a testament to the resilience and heart of this city, and we are incredibly grateful to both his foundation and Lowe’s for delivering the resources our residents desperately need right now."
“Taking care of people and the communities we serve is at the heart of what we do. This is our second Bucket Brigade in the Gary area in just one week—and the sixth we’ve activated across Indiana and Illinois following severe weather,” said Lowe’s Regional Vice President Charles Reasonova. “I’m incredibly proud of our associates who continue to step up for our neighbors when they need us most. We’re here today providing essential cleanup supplies, but our commitment doesn’t end here. Lowe’s will continue to stand alongside these communities as they recover, rebuild and get back into their homes.”
The Mayor's Office will continue to coordinate with the Legacy Foundation, The Darius Garland Foundation, and Lowe's to organize localized distribution events over the coming weeks. Residents in need of immediate assistance or those wishing to contribute to the Greater Gary Storm Recovery and Relief Fund can find more information by visiting the Legacy Foundation's official website or the City of Gary’s recovery portal at www.gary.gov/stormrecovery
Event Details:
Date: August 29, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: 2201 Harrison St. Gary, IN 46407
Contact:
Steve Segura, Chief Communications Officer
City of Gary
stsegura@gary.gov
+++
