Lowe’s commits $2 million to hurricane relief

Lowe's reported that it is committing $2 million to support relief efforts for associates, customers and communities in response to Hurricane Florence's impact on the Southeast.

Lowe's also said that it will continue to work closely with nonprofit partners and government agencies to determine immediate and long-term support needed by local communities.

The home improvement giant has expedited more than 2,800 truckloads of supplies, including generators, bottled water, sand, plywood, chainsaws, trash bags, gas cans and tarps to areas impacted by the storm.

"During an emergency or natural disaster, protecting your family and home is a top priority," said Marvin R. Ellison, Lowe's president and CEO. "We are committed to helping residents of the communities we serve by being there when we're needed most – before, during and after a disaster. I'd like to thank our associates for all their hard work and dedication to serving customers and each other during this devastating storm."

Lowe's has activated its American Red Cross Disaster Relief customer donation program on its site, Lowes.com.

Additionally, more than 400 associates, who have volunteered to be a part of Lowe's Employee Relief Teams, will deploy to areas hit hardest by Hurricane Florence. Their support will allow affected associates to focus on their families' recovery.

Lowe's employs more than 10,000 people in areas impacted by the storm.

Lowe's is also supporting affected associates by doubling the company's match to the Lowe's Employee Relief Fund, which provides financial assistance in times of crisis. Since it was established in 1999, the fund has helped more than 30,000 associates by providing more than $35 million in financial aid.

In the coming days and weeks, Lowe's Heroes volunteers will provide hands-on relief efforts in local communities affected by the hurricane including distributing more than 10,000 buckets, filled with more than $500,000 in vendor-donated clean-up and recovery products, to help recovery efforts throughout the Southeast.

Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's and the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation have contributed nearly $300 million communities in need.