Depot's Blake responds to tornado destruction

Responding to what he described as one of the most destructive spring-weather spells in history, Home Depot CEO Frank Blake said the retailer is helping communities recover.

The Home Depot Foundation is donating $250,000 to the American Red Cross for immediate relief needs in response to last week's tornadoes and storms that caused serious damage throughout the Southeast. 

"This spring has seen an extraordinary spate of storms and tornadoes that have devastated many parts of the country, and at this early stage of the season, it's likely to be one of the worst springs in history in terms of storm damage and destruction," Blake said. "We are a part of these communities, and it is our responsibility to help -- not only with the needs today, but as these communities start rebuilding." 

The Home Depot Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Home Depot, also created a $1 million weather impact fund to aid relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts in response to the recent storms -- and in expectation of continuing violent storms throughout the spring season.

Throughout the month, the foundation has been responding with donations to nonprofits that are assisting communities affected by recent severe weather in St. Louis, southern Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. Future funding will be deployed to local stores, communities and nonprofits as needed.

In addition to funding, Team Depot, the company's associate-led volunteer force, has been mobilized locally to help with relief and recovery efforts.

In addition to today's announcement, The Home Depot is also a member of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP), and makes an annual $500,000 contribution to the ADGP. Separately, The Homer Fund, a charity for The Home Depot associates in need of emergency financial assistance, has begun helping associates and their families affected by these storms.