Walmart Gives $1.1 Million to Support Military Families and Honor Fallen Heroes This Holiday Season“Walmart Gives Back” Initiative Provides Toys and Books for 10,000 Military Children in Top Markets for Troop Deployment Fort Bragg, N.C. Dec. 4, 2009 – Walmart gives an early Christmas to more than 10,000 military children and families who will receive free toys, books, Walmart gift cards and gift packages. Through a $1.1 million donation from Walmart, the initiative will benefit families in all branches of the military. The company will also lay 16,000 wreaths at national cemeteries across the United States to honor fallen veterans. Representatives from Operation Homefront and Wreaths Across America joined Walmart in Fort Bragg, N.C. today to launch the program, part of “Walmart Gives Back,” a holiday giving initiative focused on hunger relief and support for military families. “Walmart has a history of supporting our troops. This holiday season, we recognize the sacrifices of our deployed servicemen and women – and their families back at home,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. “We know that many military families have a tough time during the holidays. They miss their loved ones who are away, and we hope that our efforts will make their holiday easier and better.” More than 300 associates from Walmart and Sam’s Club locations nationwide will help organize toys and assist participants at each event. Supporting Military Families “This has been an especially difficult year for our military families and their children. They’re not only dealing with deployments but also the economic recession,” said Operation Homefront chief executive officer, Jim Knotts. “Through the generosity of Walmart, these donated toys and books will allow the military families to provide a happy holiday for their children while using their limited resources on the vital basic needs.” In addition, Walmart gift cards will be given to more than 1,500 military families in 30 cities and 1,000 gift packages will be given to the caregivers of wounded military – all made possible through Walmart’s donation to Operation Homefront. Honoring our Nation’s Veterans “Our mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “This is the second year that Walmart has generously donated wreaths, trucks, and resources – and we are proud to work with Walmart to show our gratitude to those who served and sacrificed.” For more information on “Walmart Gives Back,” visit www.walmartgiving.com. About Philanthropy at Walmart About Operation Homefront About Wreaths Across America ### |
