BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart, Sam's Club, and the Walmart Foundation are working to help Northwest Arkansas communities impacted by severe weather by committing $2 million to relief and recovery.
"Walmart Inc., in partnership with the Walmart Foundation, is taking steps to aid its hometown following severe storms and tornadoes that left many across Northwest Arkansas with damage to their homes and without electricity," a release from the Walmart Foundation said.
The commitment includes an initial $1 million for donations of food, water, and other products, as well as grants to organizations that are providing relief to affected areas.
“In these early days, we want to support the immediate needs of the community,” said Dan Bartlett, executive vice president of corporate affairs for Walmart Inc. “We will continue to be here for those who have been impacted, including our associates and neighbors for the long term.”
The donation comes on top of truckloads of essential supplies already donated across the area.
"The company has moved quickly to donate truckloads of food, water and essential supplies to organizations providing relief, including the local Red Cross and Rogers High School coordination center," the foundation said. "Teams continue to coordinate with local nonprofits on immediate needs for food, water, clothing and household items."
Walmart is also working with nonprofits to offer resources such as free meals, Wi-Fi hotspots and charging stations, as well as mobile laundry and shower services.
Walmart, along with Tyson, have already provided over 3,000 meals.
"With so many Northwest Arkansans impacted, Walmart associates have been looking for ways to give back to the community they love and call home," the foundation said.
The commitment includes an associate match campaign, which matches associate donations "up to $1 million to organizations supporting recovery and/or impacted by the storms and providing volunteer opportunities in the region through their Spark Good associate giving and volunteerism programs."
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