Coronavirus: Lowe’s donates $10M in essential protective products to hospitals

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — As hospitals face shortages of essential medical items because of the coronavirus outbreak, businesses nationwide are stepping up to help.

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Lowe’s is the latest company to lend assistance. The North Carolina-based home improvement retailer said in a statement Friday it would be donating $10 million to fund protective gear for hospitals nationwide. The donation is part of $25 million committed by the company to support the needs of Lowe’s associates, customers and the community it serves.

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The donation, Lowe’s President and CEO Marvin Ellison said, is a way for the company to "do our part in helping to keep medical professionals on the frontlines of this crisis healthy and safe."

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“We deeply appreciate their actions and commitment,” Ellison said in the statement.

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Ellison also said Lowe’s began curtailing its hours of operations Monday. Stores are now closing at 8;30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and at 7 p.m. on Sundays, the statement said.