to help those affected by the storm
Pratt, Kan., May 11, 2007 – Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. announced today that it is donating $100,000 to assist with recovery efforts following the devastating tornadoes that ripped through Greensburg, Kan., earlier this week. The contribution from the Wal-Mart & Sam’s Club Foundation will enable The Salvation Army and American Red Cross to assist those affected by the storm.
Since the storm hit on May 4, The Salvation Army and Red Cross have been providing shelter, clothing, food, counseling and other assistance to the tornado victims. Wal-Mart’s donation of $80,000 to the Red Cross and $20,000 to The Salvation Army will help these organizations continue with their relief efforts.
"This generous gift will make a big difference in the lives of disaster victims who have suffered terrible loss,” said Andrea Anglin, public affairs staff member for the American Red Cross. “We are so very appreciative of the partnership we have with Wal-Mart and its associates who with this gift are helping put disaster victims on the road to recovery."
In addition to today’s donation, Wal-Mart Stores, Neighborhood Markets, Sam’s Club locations and Distribution Centers in the Greensburg area have been responding with donations of water, diapers and other life sustaining products. Customers visiting stores and clubs throughout the state of Kansas also have provided nearly $20,000 in donations to assist with relief efforts.
“On behalf of more than 19,000 Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club associates in the state of Kansas, we would like to reach out in a time of need to the community of Greensburg and help those affected by this tragic storm,” said Kelvin Lynch, vice president of operations for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. “Wal-Mart believes in being a good neighbor and taking care of our customers and associates. It is our commitment to support the local American Red Cross and Salvation Army as they continue to meet the needs of this community.”
Wal-Mart has long been recognized as a corporate leader in the area of disaster relief. In 2006, Wal-Mart donated nearly $2 million in cash and products to support 75 disaster relief operations in 35 states. While always a focus for the company, Wal-Mart’s disaster relief support was highlighted in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Wal-Mart donated more than $18 million in cash and $3 million in merchandise to assist with relief efforts.
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at
www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $270 million to local communities in the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfacts.com,
www.walmartstores.com, or
www.walmartfoundation.org.