• Sarah Weiss

The Salvation Army Gives Thanks to The Walmart Foundation's Generosity

West Nyack, NY - In support of the Salvation Army, the Walmart Foundation has donated $750,000 to the relief effort in the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands, significantly affected by Hurricane Maria and Irma. Funds will be used this season for feeding, relief supplies, and logistics. For Hurricane Maria, which obliterated much of Puerto Rico’s infrastructure, The Salvation Army and Walmart Foundation have come together to meet the essential needs, and help kick-start the communities in need on the path to recovery.

“Thanks to key donors and the Walmart Foundation, we are able to distribute the essential resources that sustain families, and help them towards recovery—both at home and in their spirit,” said Michael Orfitelli, Territorial Coordinator of Emergency Disaster Services for The Salvation Army.

“In thousands of communities across the country, families are still feeling the impact of the hurricanes.  Like the Salvation Army, Walmart is a part of these communities. We are proud to invest in the continued work of recovery and rebuilding,” said Julie Gehrki, vice president of programs for Walmart.

Through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and key grants this season, The Salvation Army has provided an extensive array of comprehensive services outlined below, as of 11/27:

• The Salvation Army has a valuable presence in San Juan, Loíza, Fajardo, Humacao, Guayama, Ponce, Arecibo, Mayagüez, Bayamón, Peñuelas, Caguas, St. Thomas, and St. Croix serving meals, water, additional resources, and emotional/spiritual care.
• In total, over 5,030,000 meals, drinks, and snacks have been distributed to those in need since the impact of Hurricane Maria.
• The Salvation Army has distributed over 106,600 articles of clothing to individuals and families in need affected by Hurricane Maria.
• On a recent mission in Toa Alta, PR, within thirty minutes more than 6,000 meals and 462 cases of water were distributed off of the back of a Salvation Army box truck.
• The Salvation Army is distributing filtration systems to provide people with clean, drinkable water in Puerto Rico.

With a permanent footprint in the affected communities, The Salvation Army Disaster Services will continue to provide assistance until the need is met, and beyond. To be a part of the disaster response, the following are ways people can support Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

How People Can Help

Response efforts to this hurricane and flooding are expected to be costly, and will last for years. The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation.

Online: 

helpsalvationarmy.org 

Donate By Phone: 

1-800-SAL-ARMY 

Text to Give:

STORM to 51555

Mail Checks - ** Please designate “Hurricane 2017” on all checks. 

The Salvation Army 

PO Box 1959 

Atlanta, GA 30301   

About Philanthropy at Walmart 

By using our strengths to help others, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation create opportunities for people to live better every day. Walmart has stores in 28 countries, employing more than 2.3 million associates and doing business with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people. Our philanthropy helps people live better by supporting upward job mobility and economic development for the retail workforce; addressing hunger and making healthier, more sustainably-grown food a reality; and building strong communities where Walmart operates and inspiring our associates to give back. Whether it is helping to lead the fight against hunger in the United States with $2 billion in cash and in-kind donations or supporting Women’s Economic Empowerment through a series of grants totaling $10 million to the Women in Factories training program in Bangladesh, China, India and Central America, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are not only working to tackle key social issues, we are also collaborating with others to inspire solutions for long-lasting systemic change. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit http://www.foundation.walmart.com.