Lowe's announced a commitment of at least $1 million to support disaster relief and recovery efforts through cash and product donations as Hurricane Irma struck communities in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. The latest donation brings Lowe's total contribution to disaster relief this year to more than $2 million following the major flooding and damage caused by Hurricane Harvey. Lowe's is working with nonprofit partners and government agencies to determine immediate and long-term support needed by local communities.

Lowe's has also expanded its American Red Cross customer donation program from stores in Texas to all stores nationwide to provide a convenient place for customers to support those affected by the storms. Customers can also contribute to the American Red Cross online through a link on Lowes.com.

"Lowe's makes it a priority to be there for families in our communities before, during and after natural disasters strike," said Robert A. Niblock, Lowe's chairman, president and CEO. "I'm thankful to our employees for their tireless efforts to help neighborhoods prepare for storms like Harvey and Irma and proud of their passion and commitment to helping communities rebuild after these historic storms."

Lowe's Emergency Command Center continues to expedite thousands of truckloads of needed clean-up and recovery supplies to Lowe's stores impacted by the storms, including bottled water, gas cans, chainsaws, water removal equipment, insect repellent, shovels, rakes and other tools.

Lowe's employs more than 23,000 people in Texas and more than 19,000 in Florida. Additional specially trained Lowe's employees will travel to the hardest-hit locations to provide relief to impacted employees while ensuring stores are ready to serve customers. Lowe's is also supporting affected employees through its Employee Relief Fund which provides financial assistance in times of crisis. Lowe's has doubled its match of employee contributions to the fund following Hurricane Harvey. Since it was established in 1999, the fund has helped approximately 26,000 employees by providing more than $29 million in financial aid.

Thus far, Lowe's has donated 25,000 buckets of clean up supplies to be distributed in Houston, and Lowe's Heroes volunteers have helped with hands-on relief efforts in Texas communities affected by the hurricane. Volunteers will provide similar support to recovery efforts for communities impacted by Hurricane Irma in the coming weeks as the needs are identified.