BENTONVILLE, Ark. – In response to the floods and tornados that have continued to impact midwestern and southern states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Texas, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Walmart.org have committed to provide an additional $200,000 in support through cash and product donations, building on commitments of $150,000 made in March. Walmart.org represents the combined philanthropic efforts of both Walmart and the Walmart Foundation.
The commitment includes up to $50,000 in product donations and $150,000 in grants to organizations actively engaged in responding to impacted communities such as Salvation Army Central and Southern Territories. As part of this commitment, Walmart is also working closely with local officials and government entities to help meet the needs of those affected.
"The impact of these tornados and historic floods continues to affect our associates, our customers and communities across the Midwest and South. I want to thank our local stores and distribution centers, as well as the non-profits, first responders, local officials and government organizations who have all been working so hard to meet the needs of the affected communities we serve," said Julie Gehrki, vice president, philanthropy at Walmart.
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. Our philanthropy aims to improve entire systems, not just respond in the moment. Walmart.org supports efforts to help communities build resiliency and respond more quickly and effectively when disaster strikes.”
