Lowe's Continues Long-Standing Commitment to Education With $2.5 Million in Special Grants-Toolbox for Education(R) Celebrates 5 Years

Mooresville, N.C., September 15, 2009 — At a time when schools are forced to slash budgets, cut staff and cancel programs, Lowe's and the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation announced today they are continuing their commitment to K-12 public education by dedicating more than $2.5 million in additional grants to schools and communities in the United States and Canada. The grants will be given to schools and non-profit organizations facing fundamental needs in difficult economic times.

These additional grants are a part of Lowe's long-established commitment to education. Since 1957, the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation has worked to improve the communities where Lowe's does business. In 2008, Lowe's and Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation contributed more than $25 million to education and community improvement projects in the United States and Canada.

"At a time when schools and organizations that support youth need funding the most, Lowe's has increased its charitable commitment to education," said Larry D. Stone, chairman of the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. "We are dedicated to building brighter futures for students by providing the resources and funds necessary to foster vocational education, innovative learning environments, safer physical education, and technology that will address the needs of schools and communities across the United States and Canada."

Today, the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation extended its outreach to education through regional grants for special projects in the United States and Canada. The 2009 regional grants include:

-- Atlanta, Ga. Alonzo A. Crim Open Campus High School for playground projects, weight and exercise equipment and new school lounges.

-- Baton Rouge, La. East Baton Rouge Parish School System to renovate and improve the safety of a local elementary school's playground.

-- Chicago, Ill. Steinmetz Academic Centre High School to purchase materials needed to build a fence around the play field as well as to repair gym doors to meet safety codes.