COEUR d'ALENE — By first impression, Kristen Guzman may not seem like the type of person easily swayed by emotion.

But when she opened a handmade "thank you" card from children served by Canopy Village, she couldn't help but come close to tears.

"I know I'm all tattooed out, but I'm actually a total softie," Guzman said with a laugh.

Guzman was part of a team of "Red Vest" Lowe's associates who volunteered to renovate Canopy Village's Moyer Home.

"They (the kids) are so grateful for all the work you put in," Christine Shea, director of residential staffing, told the volunteers.

Since 1986, Canopy Village has provided crisis respite, emergency shelter and residential treatment for children and families who are experiencing abuse, neglect, or a crisis.

The Moyer Home serves as both a residential treatment facility and an emergency crisis shelter, and was one of 100 community-nominated, large-scale renovations intended to "revitalize nonprofit and community spaces serving as hubs and heartbeats for hometowns," according to a Nov. 17 press release.

Lowe's Hometowns program is a five-year, $100 million commitment to renovating community spaces nationwide, with a goal of 10 million square feet of impact in 2025.

The Moyer Home brought the Red Vest associates about 4,000 square feet closer to that goal.

Renovations included new flooring and lighting, along with a fresh coat of paint, all made possible by a $30,000 Lowe's grant.

The bathrooms in the Moyer Home were also renovated thanks to a recent donation from Rebath.

The renovations will help ensure the Moyer Home remains a haven for those who need it most.

"For the children who live here, many of whom have experienced significant trauma, having a warm, welcoming, well-cared-for space makes a tremendous difference," the press release said. 

    Lowe's Red Vest associates Jeff Daniels, Adam Michaud, and Kristen Guzman read handmade thank you cards from kids at Canopy Village on Friday.