California wildfires hit close to home for native Johnson (cont'd)

Johnson isn't the only one feeling compelled to help.

Hendrick has employees in California who are indirectly affected by the tragedy as well.

"It doesn't look like any of our folks will lose their homes, so we're lucky," said Hendrick, who is the chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group, which operates 10 auto dealerships in California. "Not everyone is so fortunate. It's vital that we raise awareness, and having a guy like Jimmie leading the charge is a great shot in the arm. I'm proud of what he and Lowe's are doing, and our prayers continue to be with the people of Southern California."

In addition to matching the donations by Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports, Lowe's declared each of its 85 Lowe's stores in California as official Red Cross cash donation sites. Lowe's will match all of the donations it collects at the stores up to $50,000 to support Red Cross relief efforts for the California wildfires.

Also, Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet will don a special 1-800-RED CROSS decal on its trunk for fans to call for information or donate to the Red Cross' wildfire relief efforts.

"With what's going on in Southern California, if we don't get involved and help as fellow Americans, we're going to have a large part of our society in dire straits," Johnson said. "Every cent is going to help; every cent is going to matter."

Interesting enough, over the summer, Johnson and wife Chandra spent time in the El Cajon area with the Jimmie Johnson Foundation hosting a celebrity golf tournament and charity event that raised more than $500,000 for construction of new Habitat for Humanity homes.

The donation was his way of making someone's life just a bit easier.

Johnson said he knows how tough the fire season can be, who it can impact in a community, and what the fires can do to a family.

"I know how many homes have been lost there," he said. "It was important to give back to some families that may have been involved with fire and whatever that was going on out there with the tragedies we've had."