By Chris Wack 



  Lowe's Companies Inc. said Thursday it will provide an additional $100 million in bonuses to assist associates with unforeseen expenses and hardships, increasing the company's total commitment to associates and communities during the Covid-19 pandemic to nearly $600 million. 


  The retailer said full-time hourly associates will receive $300, and part-time and seasonal associates will receive $150 on Aug. 21, matching the funds provided to all hourly associates in March, May and earlier this month. 


  With the bonus announced Thursday, Lowe's will have invested $500 million in coronavirus relief funding for associates. In addition to the previous special payments and bonuses, Lowe's increased pay for full-time, part-time and seasonal associates by $2 per hour for the month of April. The company continues to offer telemedicine services to all associates and their families, even if they aren't enrolled in Lowe's medical plans. 


  Lowe's has committed more than $100 million in community assistance, including to health-care workers, minority-owned small businesses and rural communities. 


  Write to Chris Wack at chris.wack@wsj.com