Hearts & Hammers was honored to welcome a brand-new Home Sponsor and volunteer team from Land O’Lakes, Inc. in 2025, led by Team Captain Leah McKeon, Senior Community Relations Specialist. Their inaugural project brought together 40 volunteers working in two shifts, all showing up with energy, compassion, and a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference.
Meet the Homeowners: Angel & John
The team served Angel (58) and John Lawrence (63), disabled homeowners who have lived in their one-story Little Canada, MN residence for more than 16 years. Their home, filled with memories and daily challenges, was in need of significant exterior repairs the couple could no longer complete on their own.
The home was last painted nearly 20 years ago, three years before the Lawrences bought it. The siding had deteriorated from age, water damage, and persistent woodpecker holes – clear signs it was overdue for repairs and a fresh protective coat of paint.
Project Day: September 19, 2025
With rain in the forecast, the morning began with a hint of uncertainty – but the weather took a welcome turn. What could have been a wet, complicated day instead became a perfect, if slightly hot, September afternoon, almost ideal for exterior work.
With rain in the forecast, the morning began with a hint of uncertainty – but the weather took a welcome turn. What could have been a wet, complicated day instead became a perfect, if slightly hot, September afternoon, almost ideal for exterior work. John was on hand for most of the day, lending a hand when he could and adding plenty of jokes, gratitude, and encouragement!
Said John, “I’m not someone who asks for help, I’d rather do it myself or be the helper, but since my injury, I have a hard time and she (Angel) gets on me for trying to do too much.”
Project Highlights
- Full exterior painting of the home and garage, including siding and trim
- Landscape renewal, removing overgrowth and refreshing planting beds
- Extensive tree trimming to improve safety and curb appeal
- Repair of damaged siding, including areas where holes had formed
- Deck and stair treatment, staining the surfaces to protect and restore them as well as allow safe access.
A Strong Start to a New Partnership
For Land O’Lakes, this project marked the beginning of what we hope will be a long-lasting partnership dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods and supporting local homeowners in need. Leah McKeon and her team set the bar high, delivering a safe, refreshed, and dignified home environment for Angel and John.
Hearts & Hammers is proud to welcome Land O’Lakes to our growing network of sponsors and volunteers who believe in keeping people in the homes they love.
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