Dec. 17, 2004 – One of the nation's premier lumber companies is making a major contribution to Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal for the building of a Friendship House in the Queensborough neighborhood.

84 Lumber Company, the nation's No. 1 privately-held supplier of building materials to professional contractors, is providing the lumber -- a value of about $32,000 -- for construction of the two-story house.

PGA Tour star David Toms of Shreveport is providing the funds for the 3,400-square-foot house through his foundation and is enlisting partners such as 84 Lumber in the construction. Construction will begin in early 2005.

"We are so pleased to be a part of this worthy project supported by the David Toms Foundation and helping to give hope to people who are trying to build better neighborhoods and better lives," said Maggie Hardy Magerko, president of 84 Lumber. "At 84 Lumber we believe it is our responsibility to build more than homes; it is to take the lead in helping individuals and communities in need through our Building Hope initiative. We applaud David and his selfless efforts in helping those who are in need."

The Friendship House is a residence for a couple employed by SBCR working with families in a low-income, high-crime neighborhood. The house is also a community center, with after-school tutoring, computer education, community service projects and other activities taking place there. The Friendship House will include a 30-by-40-foot community room.

"It speaks volumes about the type of company 84 Lumber is that they would make this type of contribution to help the Shreveport community. 84 Lumber is a wonderful supporter of the PGA Tour and it makes me proud to be associated with such wonderful organizations," Toms said.

"As I've said before, there is no better organization anywhere that does a better job of rebuilding neighborhoods than Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal. 84 Lumber's involvement with our Friendship House will just help us move even faster in making a difference in the lives of children who are negatively affected by living in poor neighborhoods."

Mack McCarter, founder and executive coordinator for SBCR, said the donation is deeply appreciated and will have a major impact. "The gift of 84 Lumber is incredibly significant. Not only is it the largest in-kind donation for the Friendship House, but it also shows their trust of David Toms and his judgment, and it shows their willingness to invest in the future of America," McCarter said.

Source: PGA