Lowe's helps communities devastated by flooding

Lowe's is coming to the aid of the communities it serves with a donation to help provide relief in the wake of massive flooding in the Southeast.

The retailer plans to donate $500,000 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief and work to provide both immediate and long-term support to local communities in the Southeast.

"Our thoughts are with the thousands of residents, including Lowe's employees, who've been affected by the widespread flooding," said Joan Higginbotham, Lowe's director of community relations. "Our Lowe's Heroes are standing by to assist and will be lending a hand to help with recovery and rebuilding efforts."

The donation to the Red Cross will help provide food, shelter and comfort to those impacted by this weekend's historic rainfall. In addition, Lowe's has activated its American Red Cross customer donation program in all 161 stores in the Carolinas to provide a convenient place for customers to make a donation. People can also make a contribution online via the Lowe's American Red Cross Online Donation Site.

Lowe's has shipped truckloads of emergency supplies to the affected area, and Lowe's stores and national disaster relief partner, the First Response Team of America, have also been assisting with relief efforts.

As a member of the Red Cross' Annual Disaster Giving Program, Lowe's pledges donations on an ongoing basis in advance of disasters to help ensure the Red Cross can take immediate action. Individuals can team with Lowe's and the American Red Cross to provide assistance by donating atLowe's American Red Cross Online Donation Site, by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Since partnering with the Red Cross in 1999, Lowe's and its customers have contributed more than $25 million for disaster relief.