Lowe’s, NCAA, Partner to Restore Boys & Girls Club in Houston

— -- The Jim and Barbara Morefield Boys & Girls Club serves as a safe haven for more than 1,000 children in southeast Houston, but as of late, the 20-year-old building that houses the club had fallen into disrepair and was in desperate need of TLC.

There have been recurring leaks in the building, restrooms had rusted fixtures and there were no water fountains.

"GMA" sponsor Lowe’s stepped in to help, partnering with the NCAA to renovate the facility. For the past nine weeks, more than 80 people have pitched in to help by making repairs, painting the building and planting flowers to brighten up the surroundings.

"We've had employees contribute over 4,200 hundred hours to make this project a success,” James Frison, director of Community Relations for Lowe's, told ABC News.

The biggest undertaking was the gym. Lowe’spokesman Jeff Richardson said water had destroyed the entire floor. "The ceilings around the entire door had been completely demolished," he said. "You could literally see outside from inside,” he added.

For many parents, the club is their only after-school resource.

The building's facelift is now complete, with an updated library, a safe place to play outside and a new basketball court -- and area children are eager to christen the updated building.

“The kids come and peek inside the building after school," Everett Curl, the club’s senior director, said. "They are ready to get back in their club."