Retailer Partners with Operation Shower to Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Mother’s Day
BENTONVILLE, Ark., April 29, 2008 – In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Mother’s Day, Wal-Mart has teamed up with nonprofit organization, Operation Shower, to honor 100 expectant moms, whose spouses are deployed during their pregnancies. On May 2, 3 and 10, Wal-Mart and Operation Shower will host baby showers at several military installations throughout the nation: USS Nimitz (California), Twentynine Palms (California), Scott AFB (Illinois) and Ft. Bragg (North Carolina). Wal-Mart and its suppliers have donated thousands of dollars in gift items to these special mothers.
“These military moms are making significant sacrifices while their husbands are deployed. We recognize that we owe the men and women in uniform our gratitude and support,” said Pat Curran, executive vice-president for Wal-Mart and daughter of a chief warrant officer, retired US Army. “This is a unique way for Wal-Mart and our suppliers to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Mother’s Day by making this special time a little easier – especially for new moms.”
Started in 2007, Operation Shower gathers donations from companies, large and small, for new moms and moms-to-be whose spouses are deployed during their pregnancies. The “Shower in a Box” gifts include necessities and little indulgences for mom as well as baby, such as robes, DVDs, keepsakes, bath products, formula and toys.
“We’re overwhelmed by the support Wal-Mart and its suppliers have shown for the mothers who are at home caring for the family while their spouses are deployed serving our country,” said LeAnn Morrissey, co-founder of Operation Shower. “The women we shower truly appreciate the gifts and the emotional encouragement they receive.”
“With the generous donations we’ve received from Wal-Mart and its suppliers, this Mother’s Day will be even more special for these special moms,” added Kris Jackson, co-founder of Operation Shower.
Wal-Mart also celebrates the 100th anniversary of Mother’s Day by featuring the top 100 gifts for mom on its popular gifting sites - Helpaguybuy.com and Helpachickpick.com. Customers can find the perfect gift to match mom’s personality with ease – and at a great value.
About Operation Shower
Operation Shower is a non-profit organization (pending 501(c)(3) status) that recognizes and honors the sacrifices military families make by producing and coordinating baby showers for pregnant and expecting military personnel and their families. Operation Shower was formed by Lena Morrissey of Lena's Notebook (www.lenasnotebook.com) and Kris and David Jackson of Clever Parents (www.cleverparents.com). To learn more, make a donation or sponsor a shower, visit www.operationshower.org.
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. 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 $296 million to local United States communities. To learn more, visit www.walmartfacts.com, www.walmart.com, or www.walmartfoundation.org.
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