The latest project of the ARA Foundation and The Toro Company Foundation’s Community Impact Program took place in San Antonio on Jan. 27-28, this time helping Winston Elementary School.
In conjunction with the United Way of San Antonio, Texas rental businesses and manufacturers brought their expertise, equipment and sweat labor to make improvements at the school. They did everything from building garden beds, installing irrigation, creating an outdoor classroom space to painting classrooms and hallways.
Special thanks go to the following American Rental Association (ARA) member companies that donated equipment for the project:
- A to Z Rental
- Peerless Events and Tents
- Tejas Equipment Rental & Sales
- Texas First Rentals
In addition, the Texas Rental Association (TRA) and Kirby-Smith Machinery provided lunch for all participants.
The partnership of the ARA Foundation, The Toro Company Foundation and the United Way of San Antonio proved to be a dynamic combination that made significant improvements to the school.
“We selected this project because of the diversity of work required to complete it. There was something for everyone to participate in — from operating equipment to gardening and painting. It was quite comprehensive and suited all skill levels. In addition, we were fortunate to have volunteers from ARA’s [American Rental Association] Women in Rental Summit and the Young Professional Network Conference assist in this effort,” says Marcy Wright, ARA Foundation executive director.
The Community Impact Program, which kicked off with its inaugural event in Ohio during June 2021, involves both foundations partnering with
local nonprofit organizations to coordinate community service projects across the country. The purpose of the program is twofold: to allow those in the rental industry an opportunity to give back to their community as well as build public awareness and demonstrate the advantages of rental.
More projects are planned for this year and will involve the collaboration of ARA members, ARA state associations, and Toro and Ditch Witch representatives in each of the select locations who will source donations and volunteers to work on the project.
Connie Lannan
Connie Lannan is special projects editor for Rental Management. She helps plan, coordinate, write and edit ARA’s quarterly regional newsletters, In Your Region. She also researches, writes and edits news and feature articles for Rental Management, Rental Pulse, supplements, special reports and other special projects. Outside of work, she loves to bake for others, go for walks with her husband and volunteer for her church and causes she believes in.
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