While many families across the country gathered around the table to enjoy a holiday meal together this past week, communities in Kentucky are still picking up the pieces from the catastrophic tornadoes that ripped through the state in December.
In the days following the disaster, Lowe’s responded in various communities by cleaning up debris, donating supplies, or hosting community events. And knowing Christmas would be even harder for the affected families, Lowe’s teamed up with one of its nonprofit partners, Operation BBQ Relief, to host a Christmas meal distribution in Mayfield ahead of the holiday. Residents were able to pick up a free, warm meal for their families – something many didn’t think they’d be able to have this year.
It almost makes you want to cry, just reminds you that there’s a whole lot of good. To see people down here that don’t have to be here, it makes you feel good.
Lowe’s District Manager Christian Redman said seeing the joint effort between Lowe’s and Operation BBQ Relief makes him proud to be a part of his community and to be a Lowe’s associate.
“When I think about disasters like this, it’s about more than just business. It’s about community, how we can serve them and family. And I know I feel every day when I go to work, I’m extremely proud to put on my red vest.”
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
