Lowe’s donates 100 benches to Cape Coral safety group

It’s been nearly a month since 8-year-old Layla Aiken was killed at her bus stop by a hit-and-run driver. So it was all about protecting our kids and improving their safety at school bus stops during a special donation this weekend.

Lowe’s Home Improvement in Lee County donated 100 benches to the Cape Coral group Benches For Our Babes.

Volunteers worked together to assemble 75 of the benches that will be places at various bus stops in Cape Coral.

After the tragic deaths of Southwest Florida girls Alana Tamplin and Layla Aiken, many in the community are stepping up to make sure that no child is left in the dark at a bus stop.

“So many of us live in Cape Coral,” said Lisa Padillo with Lowe’s. “And we all probably live in Lee County, and our children are our future. This is just something that a child should not have to worry about in the morning.”

The benches were picked up and delivered around 9 a.m.

Earlier last week, the City of Cape Coral discussed permanent bus stop seating. The city also established a subcommittee who addressed issues such as paving and curbing, as well as ensuring seating is ADA compliant.

The subcommittee plans to present its recommendations to the city council during the scheduled meeting Monday, May 20.