Alexandria, VA (November 28, 2011) – The Walmart Foundation has made a generous donation of $1 million to The Salvation Army to help support the 120th annual Red Kettle Campaign. The donation is part of Walmart’s efforts to provide hunger relief at Salvation Army programs across the country, which have witnessed a significant increase in need since 2007 and provided 60 million meals in 2010 alone. The company is also the largest supporter of the Red Kettle Campaign, having raised more than $42 million in 2010 through thousands of red kettles stationed outside Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations.

“We are grateful for Walmart’s support in helping The Salvation Army provide critical services, not only during the holiday season but throughout the year,” said Commissioner William Roberts, National Commander for The Salvation Army. “Walmart is a valued partner, and their generosity enables us to continue our work and help those in need.”

In its “Feeding the Need 2011” report released earlier this year, The Salvation Army found that 94 percent of its food service programs witnessed increases in requests for food assistance in 2010. With the lingering effects of the economic recession impacting families nationwide, Salvation Army food programs are continuing to use donations to maintain services and keep their shelves stocked.

“The prevalence of hunger in America has made it more important than ever to support food programs,” said Commissioner Roberts. “With the help of donors and corporate partners such as Walmart, The Salvation Army can address the rising need and provide food and service programs where it’s needed most.”

In addition to its $1 million donation, Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations will once again host Red Kettles and bell ringers outside storefronts nationwide from November 25th through December 24th. As part of the 2011 campaign, local Salvation Army units have planned an array of festivities to engage holiday shoppers. These include appearances by local celebrities, musical performances, and at least seven attempts to break the world record for hand bell-ringing, which currently stands at more than 36 hours.

“Walmart is proud to continue its partnership with The Salvation Army,” said Julie Gehrki at the Walmart Foundation. “Whether we’re hosting Red Kettles at our store locations or helping stock the shelves at food programs, we’re dedicated to giving back to our communities.”

The Salvation Army is grateful to all of its national and local corporate partners for their support, which allows the Army to provide assistance to 30 million Americans each year. To learn more about the Army and its corporate partnerships, or to donate or volunteer, visit http://www.salvationarmyusa.org.

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About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org. To donate, please call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.