The Home Depot and The Home Depot Foundation Make Direct Cash Donation of $1.5 Million to Support Hurricane Katrina Relief and Rebuilding Efforts 

ATLANTA, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Home Depot(R), the world's largest home improvement retailer, and The Home Depot Foundation today announced a direct cash donation of $1.5 million to support the relief and rebuilding efforts of areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

   The Home Depot will make a direct donation of $400,000 to emergency management organizations, including American Red Cross(R) and The Salvation Army, for immediate disaster relief and recovery. In addition, The Home Depot will make a direct donation of $600,000 to support long-term rebuilding efforts in the affected communities. This portion of the funding will go to a "Rebuilding Fund" established by the Corporation for National Community Service and Hands On Network. These organizations will re-grant funds to nonprofit organizations and manage volunteer-driven rebuilding projects for community facilities, such as schools, senior and community centers, and parks. The Home Depot will also encourage customers and associates to make financial contributions to the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army relief efforts through its Web site (www.homedepot.com).

   The Home Depot Foundation will make a direct donation of $500,000 to nonprofit organizations that produce and rehabilitate affordable housing for low- to moderate-income homeowners to assist with the repair and rebuilding efforts. In addition, The Home Depot Foundation and The Home Depot will be working with its suppliers to donate additional materials, such as tarps, flashlights and bottled water, to emergency management organizations.