Walmart Gives $110,000 to 11 Nonprofits Supporting Our Military and Veterans on the Sixth Day of “12 Days of Giving” Holiday Campaign
Walmart awards grants to organizations from District of Columbia, Delaware, California, New York, Florida, Oregon, Texas, Washington, Oklahoma, North Carolina and Vermont
BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 15, 2012 – On the sixth day of its “12 Days of Giving” holiday campaign, Walmart is awarding $110,000 to 11 nonprofits that are making an extraordinary effort to support troops, military families and veterans in their local communities. One of the winning organizations, Operation Homefront Oklahoma/Arkansas, serves its community by providing food and financial assistance to military families and wounded warriors. The organization also works to prevent homelessness among young military families and combat veterans.
Over twelve consecutive days, Walmart will award a total of $1.5 million to 140 organizations across the country that are providing basic needs and services such as food, shelter, clothing and medical care. Organizations receiving grants today are featured on Walmart’s Live Better tab on Facebook. The organizations serve communities in: District of Columbia, Delaware, California, New York, Florida, Oregon, Texas, Washington, Oklahoma, North Carolina and Vermont.
“We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to those who serve or have served in our country’s military, as well as to the families of those individuals.” said Sylvia Mathews Burwell, president of the Walmart Foundation. “Whether protecting our freedoms in foreign fields or making contributions here at home, the value these men and women bring to the American workforce and our way of life is beyond measure. We are truly honored to provide grants this holiday season to local organizations that support our military and veterans.”
Walmart’s November call for submissions resulted in more than 21,677 nominations from Facebook users who submitted descriptions of each nonprofit’s impact in its local community. Submissions were initially reviewed by Walmart associates from across the company and then a panel from the Walmart Foundation selected the winning organizations.
The organizations being spotlighted today for “Supporting Our Military and Veterans” include:
A Soldier’s Smile
Miami, FL $10,000
Delaware Center for Homeless Veterans, Inc.
Wilmington, DE $10,000
Homefront America
San Juan Capistrano, CA $10,000
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund
New York, NY $10,000
National Veterans Homeless Support, Inc.
Mims, FL $10,000
Operation Homefront Oregon
Portland, OR $10,000
Operation Homefront Texas
San Antonio, TX $10,000
Operation Homefront Washington
Seattle, WA $10,000
Operation Homefront Oklahoma/Arkansas
Lawton, OK $10,000
Purple Heart Homes
Statesville, NC $10,000
Soldiers’ Angels
Williston, VT $10,000
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Sustainability, Workforce Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. To date, Walmart has donated more than 1 billion pounds of food to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.
Walmart Gives $120,000 to 14 Nonprofits Supporting Children on the Fifth Day of “12 Days of Giving” Holiday Campaign
Walmart awards grants to organizations from Vermont, California, Texas, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Georgia and Pennsylvania
BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 14, 2012 – On the fifth day of its “12 Days of Giving” holiday campaign, Walmart is awarding $120,000 to 14 nonprofits that are creating a better future for children across the country. One of the winning organizations, Para Los Niños, serves its community by providing high-quality education integrated with family support, mental health services and community engagement opportunities to thousands of children living in at-risk neighborhoods in Los Angeles County.
Over twelve consecutive days, Walmart will award a total of $1.5 million to 140 organizations across the country that are providing basic needs and services such as food, shelter, clothing and medical care. Organizations receiving grants today are featured on Walmart’s Live Better tab on Facebook. The organizations serve communities in: Vermont, California, Texas, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Georgia and Pennsylvania.
“Building a better tomorrow starts with our children, yet 22 percent of kids in the U.S. live in poverty,” said Sylvia Mathews Burwell, president of the Walmart Foundation. “Through education, nourishment, mentorship, clothing and shelter, the organizations honored today are helping children community by community achieve a brighter future. We’re honored to help support their mission with grants this holiday season.”
Walmart’s November call for submissions resulted in more than 21,677 nominations from Facebook users who submitted descriptions of each nonprofit’s impact in its local community. Submissions were initially reviewed by Walmart associates from across the company and then a panel from the Walmart Foundation selected the winning organizations.
The organizations being spotlighted today for “Building a Better Future” include:
- Addison County Parent/Child Center, Middlebury, VT $10,000
- Bags4kids, California City, CA $10,000
- College Forward, Austin, TX $10,000
- Greencastle Police Department Permanent Fitting Station, Greencastle, IN $10,000
- Kalamazoo Drop-In Child Care Center, Kalamazoo, MI $10,000
- LIFT-Chicago, Chicago, IL $10,000
- Nashville State Community College Foundation, Nashville, TN $10,000
- Para Los Niños, Los Angeles, CA $10,000
- Positive Tomorrows, Oklahoma City, OK $10,000
- Project Linus of East Tennessee, Harriman, TN $5,000
- Project Night Light, Moorhead, MN $10,000
- The Detroit Area Diaper Bank, Canton, MI $5,000
- The Diaper Bank of Greater Atlanta, Kennesaw, GA $5,000
- The Greater Philadelphia Diaper Bank, Richboro, PA $5,000
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Sustainability, Workforce Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. To date, Walmart has donated more than 1 billion pounds of food to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.
Quinn’s Christmas Bauble
In other pander-to-the-power news this week, City Council Speaker Chris Quinn got an early Christmas present — one that she worked hard for, too. Quinn has stood in the marketplace door for years, brazenly excluding Walmart from the five boroughs, and on Wednesday she got her reward: a mayoral endorsement from the city’s grocery union, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500. Sweet for her. Not so sweet for the two-thirds of New Yorkers who tell pollsters, time and again, that they want Walmart in the city. Or for poor folks who lose out on the relatively cheap, nutritious food Walmart brings to neighborhoods in need.
Walmart Gives $100,000 to 10 Nonprofits Helping People Overcome Personal Hardship on the Fourth Day of “12 Days of Giving” Holiday Campaign
Walmart awards grants to organizations from Virginia, District of Columbia, South Carolina, Texas, Wyoming, Hawaii, West Virginia, Illinois, Washington and New York
BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 13, 2012 – On the fourth day of its “12 Days of Giving” holiday campaign, Walmart is awarding $100,000 to 10 nonprofits, who were nominated with compelling stories of personal hardship that help to put a face on hunger in our communities. One of the winning organizations, Cover 3 Foundation, was founded in 2009 by Greg Scott who experienced hunger firsthand as a child. Scott started the foundation in his hometown to make a difference in children’s lives and it now provides free meals and snacks to thousands of children every day.
Over twelve consecutive days, Walmart will award a total of $1.5 million to 140 organizations across the country that are providing basic needs and services such as food, shelter, clothing and medical care. Organizations receiving grants today are featured on Walmart’s Live Better tab on Facebook. The organizations serve communities in: Virginia, District of Columbia, South Carolina, Texas, Wyoming, Hawaii, West Virginia, Illinois, Washington and New York.
“We received compelling stories of individuals going out of their way to volunteer time and resources, often as a way to give back to an organization that helped them during a time of need,” said Sylvia Mathews Burwell, president of the Walmart Foundation. “Through our grants we want to support the organizations around the country that have had a profound effect on their neighbors in need.”
Walmart’s November call for submissions resulted in more than 21,677 nominations from Facebook users who submitted descriptions of each nonprofit’s impact in its local community. Submissions were initially reviewed by Walmart associates from across the company and then a panel from the Walmart Foundation selected the winning organizations.
The organizations being spotlighted today in the category of “Recognizing the Face of Hunger” include:
- Cover 3 Foundation, Franklin, VA $10,000
- Food & Friends, Washington, DC $10,000
- Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, SC $10,000
- Isaiah 58, Big Spring, TX $10,000
- Laramie Soup Kitchen, Laramie, WY $10,000
- Mokuaikaua Food Pantry, Kailua Kona, HI $10,000
- Fountain of Life Outreach Center, Fairmont, WV $10,000
- The Salvation Army of Rockford, Rockford, IL $10,000
- Thurston County Food Bank, Olympia, WA $10,000
- Joshua’s Eternal Journey, Bethpage, NY $10,000
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Sustainability, Workforce Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. To date, Walmart has donated more than 1 billion pounds of food to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.
Walmart Gives $100,000 to 10 Nonprofits Supporting Seniors on the Second Day of “12 Days of Giving” Holiday Campaign
Walmart awards grants to organizations from Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Wisconsin, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Connecticut and Missouri
BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 11, 2012 – On the second day of its “12 Days of Giving” holiday campaign, Walmart is awarding $100,000 to 10 nonprofits that are helping senior citizens in their local communities. One of the winning organizations, Helping Hands of Vegas Valley, serves its community by providing free services in the Las Vegas Valley to assist senior citizens with transportation and food as well as vouchers for short-term, temporary care to relieve family members who are caring for seniors in their homes.
Over twelve consecutive days, Walmart will award a total of $1.5 million to 140 organizations across the country that are providing basic needs and services such as food, shelter, clothing and medical care. Organizations receiving grants today are featured on Walmart’s Live Better tab on Facebook. The organizations serve communities in: Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Wisconsin, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Connecticut and Missouri.
“More than 3.6 million adults age 65 and older live below the poverty line,” said Sylvia Mathews Burwell, president of the Walmart Foundation. “Through these grants, we want to support local organizations who are helping seniors live more fulfilled and stable lives and also say ‘thank you’ for all the wisdom and experience they’ve contributed.”
Walmart’s November call for submissions resulted in more than 21,677 nominations from Facebook users who submitted descriptions of each nonprofit’s impact in its local community. Submissions were initially reviewed by Walmart associates from across the company and then a panel from the Walmart Foundation selected the winning organizations.
The organizations being spotlighted today include:
- East Baton Rouge Council on Aging, Baton Rouge, LA $10,000
- HeartLand Hands Food Pantry, Southaven, MS $10,000
- Helping Hands of Vegas Valley, Las Vegas, NV $10,000
- ITNRacineCounty, Racine, WI $10,000
- Meals for the Elderly, San Angelo, TX $10,000
- Mobile Meals Ministry, Kannapolis, NC $10,000
- SOWEGA Council on Aging, Albany, GA $10,000
- Meals on Wheels Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach, FL $10,000
- Eliza Huntington Home, Norwich, CT $10,000
- Hannibal Senior Nutrition Center, Hannibal, MO $10,000
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Sustainability, Workforce Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. To date, Walmart has donated more than 1 billion pounds of food to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.
Walmart’s “12 Days of Giving” Facebook Campaign Sparks Holiday Spirit Across the U.S. through $1.5 Million in Grants to 140 Nonprofits
On the “First Day of Giving” Walmart Gives $100,000 to Organizations Feeding Hungry Children
BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 10, 2012 – The holidays just got a little brighter for nonprofits around the country as Walmart begins announcing the winners of its second annual “12 Days of Giving” campaign. Today, on its first day of giving, Walmart awards $100,000 to 10 nonprofits for their important work to feed hungry children in local communities. This special holiday gift is part of the more than $1.5 million that Walmart will give away to 140 grant recipients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. over the next 12 days. The winning nonprofits were selected from more than 21,677 nominations submitted in November by Facebook users who felt compelled to enter and describe the community impact made by their favorite nonprofit.
“The number of nominations from around the country this year was truly extraordinary—nearly four times as many nominations as last year’s campaign,” said Sylvia Mathews Burwell, president of the Walmart Foundation. “We were inspired by the support from thousands of people around the country who took the time to nominate organizations they felt needed assistance this holiday season. By helping us to identify those organizations doing great work, we will be able to make an impact in the local communities that need it most.”
Submissions were initially reviewed by Walmart associates from across the company and then a panel from the Walmart Foundation selected the winning organizations that focus on providing basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing as well as services such as medical care and job training. The winners have been organized into categories to be announced on each of the “12 Days” and will be spotlighted on the Live Better tab on Walmart’s Facebook page daily through Dec. 21:
- Day 1: Feeding Our Children
- Day 2: Supporting Our Seniors
- Day 3: Honoring Those Who Give (Volunteers)
- Day 4: Recognizing the Face of Hunger
- Day 5: Building a Brighter Future (Children)
- Day 6: Supporting our Military and Veterans
- Day 7: Fueling Lifelong Careers (Job Training)
- Day 8: Helping Communities Rebuild (Disaster Relief)
- Day 9: Providing Shelter
- Day 10: Fighting Hunger
- Day 11: Shaping Healthier Futures (Medical & Emotional Support)
- Day 12: Providing Warmth to Our Neighbors (Clothing Donations)
The organizations being honored today include:
- Angels of Action, Big Rapids, MI $10,000.00
- Bags of Hope Central Florida, Longwood, FL $10,000.00
- Blessings in a Backpack – Blackshear Elementary, Houston, TX $10,000.00
- Community Services Clearinghouse Inc., Fort Smith, AR $10,000.00
- Community’s Child, Lomita, CA $10,000.00
- Feed Lucas County Children, Toledo, OH $10,000.00
- Help 4 Kids, Murrells Inlet, SC $10,000.00
- Kids Food Basket, Grand Rapids, MI. $10,000.00
- Three Square Food Bank, Las Vegas, NV $10,000.00
- Westmoreland Community Action, Greensburg, PA $10,000.00
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Sustainability, Workforce Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. To date, Walmart has donated more than 1 billion pounds of food to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.
Walmart Kicks Off ’12 Days of Giving’ Campaign With $100,000 Gifts
Walmart kicked off its 2012 ’12 Days of Giving’ campaign yesterday with $100,000 gifts to 10 nonprofit organizations that focus on feeding our nation’s children. The nonprofit organizations were chosen after Walmart received more than 21,677 nominations on its Facebook page in November. Once the 12 Days of Giving campaign is finished, Walmart will have donated more than $1.5 million to 140 recipients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Welcoming Walmart
It can be tough to keep track of the many good reasons to dislike Walmart, the discount store famous for its discount wages…So should Newark block a nascent plan to build a Walmart store on a vacant lot, as a group of labor and religious activists are demanding?
No way. Because this is not a popularity contest. And Newark cannot afford the luxury of turning this into a political statement. The truth is that the city’s decision, yes or no, will have zero impact on Wal-Mart policies or the broader economy.
The question for Newark is a narrow one: Would families here be better off with a new Walmart store in town, or with the empty lot where it might be built? That is not a close call. Bring in the bulldozers.
Start with jobs. The discussions with Walmart center around a planned retail and residential development on Springfield Avenue in the city’s Central Ward, on a lot that has been vacant for decades. It hinges on finding a big retailer as a base. And if it gets off the ground, the project would create hundreds of temporary construction jobs and hundreds more permanent retail jobs.
Small Town, Big Hopes: Shopping District Sets Sail, Anchored by Walmart
GRUNDY, Va. – If the sign on the building didn’t say Wal-Mart, you might mistake it for Bloomingdale’s.
The glass atrium, escalators from a multilevel parking deck and surrounding pedestrian mall seem strangely out of character for the world’s largest retailer, as is the location in a new downtown anchored by the big-box giant.
Yes, that’s right: There is a town in Virginia that bulldozed the remains of its decades-old downtown shopping district and put up a Wal-Mart – and it has proved to be a big hit in bringing people back to the town’s long-struggling core. It even has sparked an unlikely holiday buying rush this year.
“We really had not had a Black Friday in Grundy,” said Tim Potter, property manager and project coordinator for the Grundy Industrial Development Authority. “Back before the town was torn down and all you could literally on Black Friday stand in the middle of the road and you wouldn’t see anybody, nobody shopping, nothing. That’s not the case now.”
What has happening in Grundy is being watched closely elsewhere. Cities and small towns across the country are fighting over various models for downtown redevelopment while trying to resist the allure of classic big-box stores that are seen as too impersonal or too suburban.
But officials in Grundy, a town of about 1,000 people in the remote mountains of far Southwest Virginia, say they never saw a conflict between downtown and the big box. Its bustling regional hub of decades past was destroyed in 1977 by a flood so devastating that when the business district was bulldozed decades later, some of the buildings still had alluvial mud inside them.
People didn’t know it then in this coal-mining town nestled along the Levisa Fork River, but the flood cleared the way for a monumental experiment involving multiple levels of government, with possible lessons far beyond Grundy.
Thousands of Thanksgiving Dinners Being Delivered to Hard-Hit Storm Communities in NYC Area
More than 3,000 Thanksgivings dinners and 900 turkeys are being delivered to hard-hit storm communities in the New York City area. Gov. Andrew Cuomo says gravy, canned vegetables, pies, bread and other food items have been donated by Costco, Delta, ShopRite and Walmart. They’re being delivered Wednesday by the National Guard to parts of New York City, Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley.
