BENTONVILLE, Ark. – With rain and flooding continuing and expected to worsen across much of the Midwest and South and communities in Ohio, Kansas, Missouri, Indiana and Texas still experiencing ongoing relief needs due to the recent outbreak of tornadoes,Walmart, Sam’s Club and Walmart.org have committed to double the support provided so far this spring, bringing the total commitment to $1 million.
The latest announcement builds on earlier commitments made in March, early May and last week, providing support to states across the Midwest and South, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Texas.
The new commitment will provide $350,000 in cash grants to the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and Save The Children and up to $150,000 in product donations to organizations actively engaged in responding to affected communities. As part of this commitment, Walmart also is working closely with local officials and government entities to help meet the needs of those affected.
“We are grateful to all those providing relief during this historic and prolonged severe weather, which continues to impact states across the Midwest and South,” said Julie Gehrki, vice president, philanthropy at Walmart. “In times like these, the efforts of our local stores and distribution centers, as well as the non-profits, first responders, local officials and government organizations to meet the needs of the affected communities we serve were never more important. We want to do our part to help.”
Walmart has a long history of providing aid in times of disasters, helping communities prepare and recover by donating emergency supplies, such as food and water, home and personal products. In the past two years, for example, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave nearly $50 million in cash, water, food and other products to support victims of hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes. Additionally, during the same time period, the company raised $44 million in donations from customers to support hurricane relief.
“While Walmart has always helped communities in times of disaster, the experience of Hurricane Katrina helped us realize how we best draw on our strengths to provide relief in the aftermath of disaster,” Gehrki said. “Since Katrina, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have formalized our disaster response program to quickly help those who have been hit hardest. Walmart.org, which represents the combined philanthropic efforts of both Walmart and the Walmart Foundation, supports efforts to help communities build resiliency and respond more quickly and effectively when disaster strikes.”
