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.

-- Danville, Ill. Garfield Elementary School to update and repair the existing library by replacing bookshelves, purchasing books, fixing window air conditioning units and more.

-- Dayton, Ohio. Longfellow Learning Academy to renovate auditorium and provide new technology.

-- East Ridge, Tenn. East Ridge High School to update the Construction Academy program by providing laptops, whiteboards, LCD projectors, software and more.

-- Elk Grove, Calif. Cosumnes Oaks High School to purchase materials for a LEED certified home and greenhouse on the school's campus.

-- Highland, Calif. Arroyo Verde Elementary School to purchase LCD projectors and computers for a technology update.

-- Indianapolis, Ind. Chapelwood Elementary School for a library renovation and the building of art and music classrooms.

-- Lake Elsinore, Calif. Elsinore Elementary School to remodel the campus, including complete bathroom makeovers, the building of special education classrooms and refurbishing of paint and outdoor play areas.

-- Louisville, Ky. West End School to repair original 1923 radiant heat units and air conditioning along with purchasing library bookcases, desks and tables.

-- Markham, Ontario Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club to create an industrial-equipped kitchen, which will allow the club to meet public health safety standards.

-- Orlando, Fla. School Board of Orange County, Cherokee School to create an ADA-compliant playground, outdoor classroom and garden and to provide physical education equipment for disabled students.

-- Richmond, Va. Richmond City Public Schools to refurbish a classroom so that students can learn vocational skills in a bistro as part of the Career and Technical Education program.

-- San Antonio, Texas South San Antonio School District to renovate portable buildings to increase classroom space and provide better flooring, lighting, windows and air conditioning units.

-- Tucson, Ariz. Harelson Elementary School to build an outdoor learning center and to provide materials for campus beautification.

-- Winston-Salem, N.C. Lafayette A. Cook Elementary School to outfit classrooms with smart boards, to improve bathrooms, windows and hallway ceilings, and to build a seasonal garden for plant and bird studies.

-- Yorkville, N.Y. Whitesboro School District for playground remodels, technology upgrades and beautification projects at four local schools.

In addition to these special grants, in 2009 the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation has already committed to the following educational initiatives:

-- Lowe's Toolbox for Education(R). Since its inception five years ago, Lowe's Toolbox for Education has given more than $17.7 million to schools in the United States. This grant program provides parent groups and educators affiliated with K-12 public schools with financial tools to help improve their children's schools. At a time when schools and community groups are struggling to make ends meet, in 2009 Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation is focusing on basic, one-time project needs. Schools can apply for grants of up to $5,000. The fall 2009 application process is open until Oct. 16, 2009. To apply now, visit toolboxforeducation.com.

-- Lowe's Scholarship Program provided more than $600,000 in college scholarships to students across the country through its scholarship programs in 2009. Open to all students across the country, the Lowe's Scholarship program awarded 140 high school graduates a $2,500 scholarship. Lowe's also gave 50 Carl Buchan Scholarships, which provide a $5,000 scholarship for students who are full or part-time Lowe's employees or a spouse/domestic partner or dependent of a Lowe's employee.

-- Lowe's helps narrow the skilled-labor gap by supporting SkillsUSA(R) and Skills Canada(R)-Ontario. Skills USA is a national student organization with more than 15,000 chapters at public high schools, trade and technical schools and colleges. In 2009, the LCEF is providing $1.5 million in grants, curriculum development and program support to SkillsUSA and $200,000 to Skills Canada-Ontario.

For more information about Lowe's educational investment in local communities, visit lowes.com/community or Toolbox for Education on Facebook.

ABOUT LOWE'S
Lowe's is a proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity International, American Red Cross, United Way of America, and the Home Safety Council, in addition to numerous non-profit organizations and programs that help communities across the country. In 2008, Lowe's and the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $25 million to support community and education projects in the United States and Canada. Lowe's also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe's Heroes program, a company-wide employee volunteer initiative. Lowe's is a FORTUNE(R) 50 company with fiscal year 2008 sales of $48.2 billion and has more than 1,675 stores in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit Lowes.com/community.