Lowe's, Johnson race to help communities affected by tornadoes

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – In response to the deadly outbreak of tornadoes across the central and southern United States, Lowe’s announced today it will expand its relief efforts by teaming with five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson on Sunday at the Kobalt Tools 400 in Las Vegas. As part of Lowe’s Racing for Relief program, Lowe’s will match the race earnings of Team 48 on Sunday, with a minimum donation of $100,000 to the American Red Cross. Together, Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports also will donate $48,000 toward the cause.

The donation will support American Red Cross Disaster Relief and provide food, shelter, emotional support and other relief to thousands affected by tornadoes that devastated communities in a dozen states.

Additionally, Johnson will run a special decal, like the one pictured above, this weekend on his No. 48 Lowe's/Kobalt Tools Chevrolet.

In the aftermath of the tornadoes, Lowe’s Heroes moved quickly to provide vital assistance to local communities, cleaning up the hardest-hit areas and distributing  gloves, tarps, buckets, water, trash bags and other critically needed supplies.

“Over the past week, the Lowe’s Heroes in Clarksville have been working tirelessly in Henryville and other nearby communities to help local residents who were affected by these devastating storms,” said Chris Beisler, store manager of Lowe’s in Clarksville, Ind. “I couldn’t be prouder to be part of the Lowe’s team.”

Lowe’s introduced Racing for Relief in 2000. To date, the program has helped disaster relief efforts for hurricanes, tornadoes and floods by raising more than $340,000. Together with customers, Lowe’s has contributed more than $22 million to the Red Cross since 1999.

“The stories of strength, heroism and unity coming out of these storms are a reminder to all of us that people are the foundation of every community,” said Joan Higginbotham, director of community relations at Lowe’s. “Through Racing for Relief, our hope is that these funds will be a building block for these communities to recover and rebuild the places they call home.”

To join Lowe’s in its disaster relief efforts, make a donation to the American Red Cross at Lowes.com, RedCross.org, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).