Pleasant View Elementary School recently received a landscaping makeover compliments of Hertz’s Heroes in the Neighborhood program and Hertz volunteers, generous local sponsors, the school’s PTO, and members of the community.
On Saturday, November 8, new sod was put down, tree stumps were removed, debris was cleared out, and low-maintenance flower beds were created.
To make the project possible, the Hertz location at the Nashville International Airport raised $2,500 by hosting barbecues for a period of five weeks. While the fundraising efforts were originally designed to purchase school supplies, the community-minded team wanted to make more of a connection while delivering an even larger impact.
That is when Pleasant View resident and Hertz Facilities Maintenance Technician Eric Quinlan approached Hertz General Manager Keith Lamb about using the funds to help the Pleasant View school that was in need of many things— including outdoor maintenance.
Local volunteers like Jason Pennington (24 Church youth pastor), Troy Lincoln (Sunbelt Rental), and James Antoine (Sprout Tree Service) helped lead the project with their landscaping knowledge and experience.
“They all saw the potential in making an even bigger impact than we could've imagined by offering to donate their time, equipment, and expertise in landscaping,” Quinlan says of the expert volunteers. “These gentlemen were a huge help toward our efforts.”
Other generous businesses who contributed to the day’s success were: A&W Sod Farm, the Pleasant View Mill, Pleasant View Dunkin’ Donuts, Pleasant View Papa John’s, and Lowe’s in Springfield.
“I am overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude for what this team of incredibly big-hearted folks has done in my hometown and all of the Hertz staff at Nashville Airport deserve this recognition,” Quinlan added.