Following a string of dozens of deadly and destructive tornadoes, Home improvement giant Lowe's announced it will donate $500,000 to support relief and recovery efforts across the nation. The donation will assist Lowe's disaster relief partners, including the American Red Cross and Lowe's nonprofit Pro customers, helping these organizations provide emergency shelter, critical relief supplies, food and comfort to those affected by the tornado outbreak.

"It's heartbreaking to see the devastation caused by the extreme tornadoes that have impacted our associates and customers across the South and Midwest," said Marvin Ellison, Lowe's chairman and CEO, in a written statement. "Our stores and associates are committed to providing assistance at a time when our neighbors need us more than ever, and this donation will help our nonprofit and Pro partners respond to critical needs."

The donation is a continuation of efforts Lowe's has orchestrated to help communities recover. On April 6, Lowe's associates went door-to-door in Little Rock, Ark., Coralville, Iowa, and Cape Girardeau, Mo., to pass out more than 1,100 buckets filled with supplies to help residents clean up after tornadoes left widespread damage. Associates also partnered with local emergency management officials and first responders to clean up debris and pass out critical supplies.

Prior to that, Lowe's store associates in Rolling Fork, Miss., donated over 700 cases of water and more than 450 buckets with supplies to assist residents and first responders after an EF4 tornado tore through the small community. In the coming weeks, associates across the South and Midwest will continue to volunteer and distribute supplies to help communities recover.

Lowe's is also expanding financial assistance provided to associates through the Lowe's Employee Relief Fund. Lowe's is doubling the company's match, contributing $2 for every dollar an employee donates. Last year, the fund helped nearly 3,000 associates with more than $4.1 million in financial aid.