The nation’s two leading home improvement and hardware retailers have announced donations to support recovery and rebuilding efforts in Jamaica after the Category 5 Hurricane Melissa devastated the Caribbean island.
Lowe’s Companies Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is providing a $1 million donation to aid Jamaica, stating it was working with its nonprofit partners in Jamaica to help meet urgent needs while planning long-term recovery support strategies. The company is delivering deliver critical supplies to the island, including generators and flood relief buckets.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Jamaica,” said Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s chairman and CEO. “We believe in showing up to help when communities need it most. Through our nonprofit partners we aim to accelerate recovery efforts to help the island begin the long road to recovery.”
Separately, The Home Depot (NYSE: HD) and The Home Depot Foundation are committing $1 million in product donations, nonprofit grants and other support for Jamaica and other Caribbean communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The Home Depot will donate disaster relief and building products and supplies, such as generators, water, toolkits, flashlights, solar lights and other cleanup supplies, to support immediate relief efforts. The company has set up its Miami stores, as well as 30 stores in the New York Metro region, to serve as hubs to expedite orders to impacted communities on the island.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica and the broader Caribbean region as they recover from Hurricane Melissa,” said Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. “Our teams are working around the clock with nonprofit partners to deliver emergency aid and lay the groundwork for long-term recovery.”
