Time and time again, Lowe’s associates have shown up for their communities in the wake of a disaster: catastrophic hurricanes, unprecedented flooding, a pandemic. This weekend following the deadly tornadoes across the central and southern U.S. was no different.
Mayfield, Kentucky suffered some of the worst damage. In a matter of hours, associates from the Lowe’s in Mayfield rallied around their community to donate supplies like plywood and other critical materials to those in need. Many spent the day boarding up shattered windows and doors of the Mayfield police department and city hall.
The Lowe’s of Mayfield also received a shipment of critical supplies from the regional distribution center in Rockford, Illinois, a facility that doesn’t normally service this store. However, the weekend team pulled together to get this shipment of supplies to the devastated community of Mayfield. Regional Distribution Manager Jason Fletcher said, “This is what we do every day and it’s a small gesture for a community that is going through so much.”
In Bowling Green, Kentucky, where thousands are without power, two associates came into work on their day off so they could help others. One specific customer was an elderly gentleman who lived alone. He was without power and had no way to transport a generator or set it up himself. Department supervisors Jacob Sullivan and Johnny Holly didn’t hesitate. Without being asked, they took the generator to the customer’s home, unloaded it and set it up. The Lowe’s of Bowling Green also donated 60 cases of water and critical supplies to residents of a local subdivision that was torn apart. Store Manager Jeremy Smith says in the coming days, his store also plans to host a toy drive to help families provide gifts for their kids during a difficult holiday season.
"I’m very proud of all the hard work and long hours our team has put in over the last couple of days," Smith said. "The upcoming weeks and months will be especially tough but I know our team is ready and will do whatever is needed to support those in need."
As a company, Lowe’s is donating $1 million to immediate relief and recovery efforts in those communities impacted by the tornadoes. Other ways Lowe’s is responding to the disaster include:
- Deploying more than 100 Emergency Response Team members to support stores in hardest-hit areas
- Doubling the companies match to the Lowe’s Employee Relief Fund, which provides financial assistance to Lowe’s associates in need
- Deploying its Tool Rental Disaster Response Trailer
- Deploying its mobile convoy of shower and laundry trailers for impacted associates