Howe2Run, a family-owned business that was devastated by an intentionally-set fire, gave back to the Hinesville area with a special donation valued at more than $40,000 Tuesday, June 4, at the United Way of the Coastal Empire’s Liberty County Office. The long-time dream of owners Pam and Phillip Howe, Howe2Run was severely damaged following a March 27 fire. Local authorities later arrested seven people in connection with the fire that impacted several other businesses.

“Our business had only been open for three weeks when the fire happened,” Pam Howe stated. “The fire that closed our doors so quickly was a shock like no other and the devastation was horrible because our dream literally went up in smoke. My husband, Phillip, has five years of run specialty retail sales experience and I have been the runner in the family for the same amount of time. We decided last year to combine our strengths and make our dream of having our store a reality. On March 8, we had the ribbon cutting with the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce at our 103 S. Main Street site. We were so excited to be a part of this community!”

Smoke damaged 100 percent of the store’s contents and inventory. The Hartford Insurance Company and the agents at Bernard Williams & Company made sure that the Howes’ financial losses were recovered. According to the Howes, The Hartford allowed them to help the local community by donating the useable, yet unsellable, inventory items to charity. “We contacted the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, who suggested we reach out to the United Way for a possible donation. The United Way welcomed the opportunity to receive these items,” Mrs. Howe said. Donated products included Run Specialty items such as Saucony, Mizuno, ON, Under Armour, Salomon, and Skechers Performance running shoes as well as New Balance and Under Armour apparel to include shorts, t-shirts and tank tops; and Balega and Feetures performance socks.

Jennifer Darsey, Area Director for the United Way of the Coastal Empire’s Liberty County Office, said that today’s donation valued at more than $40,000 was believed to be the largest singular product donation ever received by the Liberty County Office. Darsey said that people in need can request a product donation by contacting her at [email protected] or 912.368.4282.

“We were fortunate to have the love and concern of family, friends and the community and great insurance coverage with The Hartford and great support from our agency, Bernard Williams & Company. All of this support has meant so much to us and we felt the need to give back. Now our loss is another’s gain!” The Howes hope to open another store in the near future.