Lowe’s Heroes respond to tornadoes, flooding across Midwest

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Newsroom Contributor
Jun 17, 2019

Hundreds of volunteers hand out relief supplies and begin cleanup efforts in communities impacted by recent natural disaster

With a history of supporting communities before, during and after natural disasters, Lowe’s was ready to take action when multiple tornados and floods devastated communities across the Midwest over the past few weeks. Lowe’s Heroes volunteers made it their mission to provide relief to those affected in eight states, where more than 24 stores and countless residents were affected in some way. Associates from many of those stores stocked with expertise, supplies and manpower set out to help their communities in any way they could.

Dayton tornado9

In Dayton, Ohio, 25 Heroes first began their work after a chain of tornados left 60,000 residents without power and 40,000 without water. While working with local authorities, Lowe’s was able to provide water bottles, generators, chainsaws and tarps to those in need. The Heroes split into five groups and were able to assist five locations across Dayton.

Dayton tornado3

Three hundred miles away, Morgantown, Pennsylvania also faced destruction after a tornado damaged many homes in the small community. Lowe’s volunteers reacted right away by taking to the streets and handing out buckets, gloves, trash bags and water. The clean-up also included helping residents remove shattered glass and debris from their patios and decks. Heroes were able to work with the Lions Disaster Relief team to help those in the affected area begin their recovery journey.

Recovery journey

Other parts of the Midwest also experienced heavy flooding, including Tulsa, Oklahoma. Lowe’s and its new partner, Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW), were able to provide aid in the Sand Springs community where the neighborhood of Town and Country had more than 200 flooded homes. More than 60 Lowe’s volunteers and ROWW began their efforts by handing out 100 buckets filled with relief supplies. Lowe’s district manager, Chris Waller, explained that Heroes and ROWW also spent close to 1,000 volunteer hours going into affected homes to remove water, furniture and damaged drywall.

Lowes working together

Lowe’s believes that by working together it can build something better — for the company, its customers and communities. By partnering with local authorities and non-profit disaster relief organizations, Lowe’s volunteers will continue helping communities prepare for and recover from disastrous events.

Last year, Lowe’s committed $4 million to disaster relief and rebuilding efforts. For more information on Lowe’s commitment to the community, click here.