Welcome to our live blog where we’re collecting updates from our volunteers and associates helping to address the needs of those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Stay tuned to this page and @WalmartNewsroom for the latest info.
North Texas Customers Step Up to Help Their Neighbors
Updated 4:03 p.m. CDT – Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017
We’re seeing a tremendous display of working better together across north Texas. A number of individuals and businesses have stepped forward to make cash donations and buy tens of thousands of dollars in merchandise that’s now bound for Houston.
During the past several days, three Dallas-area businesses have purchased more than $26,000 worth of needed staples for those evacuees left with almost nothing. Below, everyone at our Roanoke, Texas, supercenter is working hard to load trailers and get those necessary items to their neighbors down south.
Ellen Surprises J.J. Watt with $1M Donation from Walmart
Updated 2:30 p.m. CDT – Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017
Last week, J.J. Watt, defensive end for the Houston Texans, set out to raise $200,000 for Hurricane Harvey relief, and started the fund with $100,000 of his own money. As of today, he’s collected more than $10 million. Yesterday, we were honored to work with Ellen to contribute.
Together Through the Storm: Local Associates Care for Communities
Updated 11:40 a.m. CDT – Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Walmart associates all over the country are working around the clock to address the needs of those affected by the storm.
After learning that 150 associates in Corpus Christi, Texas, were impacted and in need of assistance, a group of associates from Store 757 in Pleasanton, Texas, rolled up their sleeves to pitch in and help. Store Manager Rosendo Medina assembled a large team of associates to gather supplies and other essentials.
While some associates prepared hot meals and care packages with basic supplies, others worked together to pack large boxes of snacks and other relief items. Rosendo and his team traveled two hours to Corpus Christi to deliver four truckloads of food and supplies to the impacted associates and their families.
Walmart Associates from Store 447 in Del Rio, Texas, prepared more than 100 care packages for families impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
“Giving back to the community is so important,” said Assistant Manager Lucy Leandro, who helped organize the effort. The care packages included towels, medications, snacks and other essentials. “We want to help those affected by the storm however we can.”
The Del Rio associates plan to distribute the care packages in Houston and other impacted areas.
‘You are Helping Each Other, Our Customers and Communities’
Updated 7:00 p.m. CDT – Aug. 30, 2017
Editor’s Note: Jacqui Canney, Walmart’s EVP of Global People, shared the following message today with associates. The below photo was taken by our Rockport, Texas, supercenter team, who donated the merchandise shown to those in need.
To all of our associates – thank you! I have never been more proud of a team than I am of you. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, you are helping each other, our customers and our communities in ways only we can. You are showing up and living our values during impossible times – and you’re making a difference.
And we are here for you. Thank you to everyone working around the clock in Bentonville and other support offices to get our associates and the stores everything they need. You are getting it done and moving fast, and you, too, are making a difference.
I’m also proud of our company and the $20 million commitment we made today to the relief efforts. Rebuilding will take time and we aren’t going anywhere. We will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you, our associates in the area, so you can keep being there for our customers, first responders and the communities we serve together. #bettertogether
If you’re an associate in need, please call (800) 236-2875. We’re here to help.
Helping the Communities Hit Hardest
Updated 5:09 p.m. CDT - Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017
Across Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana, Walmart associates are out in full force helping communities hit hardest by Harvey. As the storm moves northeast and the waters recede, residents are beginning to get out and survey the damage. At store 5612, located at 2391 S. Wayside Drive in Houston, associates are handing out water for members of the community in need.
Those in the area around store 5612 are welcome to come by and get clean, bottled drinking water, and most importantly – be safe. As of Wednesday afternoon, Walmart has shipped more than 900 truckloads of water to stores and donation sites across the impacted region.
In addition to water, Walmart has donated nearly $1 million in diapers, wipes, infant formula and baby food – as well as more than $10,000 in kayaks. We’re proud to work with organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Convoy of Hope to help those in need.
Walmart Drivers Make Their Way to Houston
Updated 3:17 p.m. CDT – Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017
Truck Driver Dennis Northam is part of a convoy that just arrived in Houston to deliver much-needed supplies for those affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Walmart Sets Up Pharmacy Inside Dallas Convention Center
Updated 12:10 p.m. CDT – Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017
Hurricane Harvey evacuees seeking shelter at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center now have pharmacy services available on-site to meet their needs.
Local Walmart stores in the Dallas area will fulfill orders placed through the convention center site. A selection of over-the-counter medications is also available at the center.
Pharmacists from other Walmart locations are coming in to support and offer prescription related counseling to customers as they pick up their prescriptions – the same service they would receive in-store.
Existing Walmart or Sam’s Club pharmacy accounts are not required. For people who do not have the information needed to transfer their prescriptions, the American Red Cross has medical professionals on site to help determine their needs and help get necessary prescriptions.
The Latest on Hurricane Harvey Support and Response
Updated 4:51 p.m. CDT – Monday, Aug. 28, 2017
It is heartbreaking to see the devastation that Hurricane Harvey has brought to our neighbors in Texas. We are working hard to ensure all our associates in the affected area are safe and customers have access to the essential items needed during this difficult time.
Associates have been working closely with the Red Cross and local government officials to understand how we can best help. At this time, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have committed at least $1 million in support, and our local teams will continue to provide extra assistance over the coming days and weeks as we learn more about the damage and what is needed.
Many of you are asking how you can help. Click here to support those affected through a donation to the American Red Cross.
To see if your local store is open, check our frequently updated list of store closures.
Stay tuned to this page and @WalmartNewsroom as we collect updates from our volunteers and associates helping to address the needs of those in storm-distressed areas.
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. Since 2005, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have donated more than $60 million in cash and in-kind donations in response to disaster events.