Lowe's donates additional $500,000 to Red Cross relief efforts

MOORESVILLE, N.C. - In wake of the recent severe weather spanning from Alabama to Virginia, which has caused hundreds of fatalities and overwhelming destruction, Lowe’s announced today it will donate an additional $500,000 to the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund.

On April 19, Lowe’s donated $250,000 to the American Red Cross in honor of the employees at the damaged Lowe’s store in Sanford, N.C., and to aid in disaster relief nationwide. Lowe’s has now contributed a total of $750,000 to the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund.

Lowe’s stores nationwide will continue to accept customer donations to the American Red Cross through May 22. Lowes.com also will serve as a donation point for customers who wish to contribute to the American Red Cross, making it convenient for people who want to join Lowe’s in making a difference in communities affected by disaster.

“Hundreds have lost their lives and thousands have lost their homes and are displaced due to the severe storms across the Southeast,” said Robert A. Niblock, Lowe’s chairman and CEO. “Because of the widespread devastation, Lowe’s is committed to helping our customers, employees and the family and friends of those affected.”

The donations will provide support to the thousands affected by the natural disasters nationwide, including the tornadoes in North Carolina, Alabama, Virginia and Mississippi.

In addition, Lowe’s stores in the affected areas are donating critically needed supplies for residents. Lowe’s Employee Relief Fund also will continue to assist the company’s own employees faced with rebuilding nationwide. The Lowe's Employee Relief Fund, which was created in 1999, has contributed $12 million in assistance to more than 11,000 employees and their families. Lowe's matches each contribution dollar for dollar to make employee donations even more powerful.

“Thanks to Lowe’s for their increased contribution and continued generosity during this stretch of devastating weather,” said Neal Litvack, chief development officer of the American Red Cross. “Along with donations from the public, this support is critical during natural disasters and enables the Red Cross to mobilize supplies, staff and volunteers to provide help to communities in need.”

Since partnering with the Red Cross in 1999, Lowe's and its customers have contributed more than $21 million for disaster relief.

Donations to the Red Cross can be made at Lowe’s stores nationwide, on Lowes.com or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).