For years, Store Manager Michael Wallace from our Manahawkin, NJ location has been a supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Hear why Cancer Research is so personal to Wallace, and how he plans on continuing and expanding his store’s community-driven initiatives.
How long have you been with 84 Lumber?
I have been with 84 Lumber for about 9 years. I started in Manahawkin as a Manager Trainee, then went to Pleasantville as a co-manager, then to Deptford for the manager position. I was thrilled to be offered the Manahawkin Store Manager position in the summer of 2020.
As a manager, you have been able to be involved heavily in your local community. Have you always been community oriented?
My father was a state trooper, and my mother was a teacher, so they set a high standard of involvement. It was normal for me to be involved in and around the community. Whether it was handing out meals after Hurricane Sandy, volunteering for beach clean-ups, or now being able to coach various youth sports for my sons, I enjoy being able to give back.
Can you talk about how your role as a manager at 84 Lumber has given you the opportunity to give back to your community?
84 Lumber has been tremendously supportive of any idea or suggestion I have given regarding community give backs. It has been anything from sponsoring holes for golf events, donating money to buy Christmas presents for children in foster care, providing materials for Boy Scout Projects, to providing raffle prizes for multiple charity events. It also has allowed me to network with vendors who are willing to give as well.
For years, the Manahawkin store under your leadership has supported Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What have those initiatives looked like?
Our store in Manahawkin built an 8-foot-tall 84 ball sign and we now paint that pink every October. For the past few years, we have donated to The David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation, a local organization that supports families affected by a cancer diagnosis.
How did you get involved with David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation?
I became aware of David’s Dream and Believe through my friend Suzy. I followed along when she was diagnosed with cancer, and she always spoke so poignantly about this group of people. It wasn’t until I came back to take the manager position in Manahawkin, “my home store” that I was able to really become involved. I started by attending events and donating, when possible, then my involvement grew from there. David’s Dream focuses on giving back directly to families, it can help with medical expenses, groceries, and even tires for a vehicle. There is a whole support network dedicated to making sure families' needs are met.
What do you have planned for this October?
Once again, we are going pink for breast cancer awareness! Our iconic ball sign will be boldly pink and proudly displayed along route 9 in front of our store. We will be attending events throughout the month that support cancer funding.
What do you like best about being able to give back and be involved in your community?
I get excited when presenting people with a donation and I see the appreciation in their smiles. I love getting a picture or seeing an eagle scout project in person knowing 84 Lumber made such a positive impact in a person's life. It seems the world is a little harder these days, so to know we made somebody's life a little easier means everything to me.