Lowe’s, Duke Endowment donating $27 million to hurricane recovery after Helene, Milton

In the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, Charlotte-area companies like Lowe’s and nonprofit Duke Endowment are committing a combined $27 million to recovery efforts.

Lowe’s funding comes on the heels of Duke Endowment’s commitment to give $15 million to recovery efforts in the Carolinas.

The private foundation named after industrialist James B. Duke said Wednesday that $7.5 million of that money would be split between organizations — one in Western North Carolina and one in Upstate South Carolina.

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s Emergency and Disaster Response Fund will receive $5 million, the foundation said.

The Central Carolina Community Foundation’s One SC Fund, which works with nonprofits to provide food and housing in South Carolina, will receive $2.5 million.

Based in Charlotte, The Duke Endowment is not related to Duke Energy or Duke University.

”It has been overwhelming to see the devastation in Western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina,” said Charles C. Lucas III, chair of the foundation’s board of trustees, in a press release. “Our hope is that these initial dollars will go towards addressing short-term and urgent needs for those affected. As the region transitions to recovery and rebuilding, this is the right way to start.”

The other half of the $15 million commitment will be donated as staff members from the foundation vet organizations, the press release said.

Lowe’s donates $10 million more to Helene recovery

Lowe’s is adding $10 million to the multi-state recovery efforts on top of $2 million already announced Sept. 30, the Mooresville-based home improvement chain said in a news release Friday .

The money will be used to assist Lowe’s nonprofit partners and first responders in recovery efforts, including support in Western North Carolina, the company said.

Lowe’s employees also are volunteering hours and using Lowe’s merchandise to help communities clear mud and debris, the company said.