The Wal-Mart Foundation partnered with the American Red Cross to create a $5 million Disaster Readiness and Capacity Building Grant Program. This grant will benefit communities across the country that reside near Red Cross chapters located in remote areas that often become isolated during times of disaster and whose chartered jurisdictions serve less than one million people – like the Frederick E. Turnage Chapter.

The grant will be used to purchase response supplies and equipment needed to open shelters, including cots and blankets, emergency light towers, and generators.  Shelter trailers acquired through the grant will allow supplies to be distributed throughout the Chapter’s four-county jurisdiction.  The grant also supports a part-time consultant to develop short and long-term volunteer recruitment plans, and provides funding for volunteer training.    

“At Wal-Mart, helping communities is what we do every day. And when a crisis strikes, that charge becomes an even greater priority,” said Margaret Mckenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. “Our long-standing support of the American Red Cross is evidence of our commitment to supporting local disaster relief efforts. We are hopeful that the $5 million we have given to local Red Cross chapters across the country will result in the swift, effective response to disasters, and the development of resources before disaster strikes.” 

The Wal-Mart Foundation stands ready to help and to work with local leaders, community organizations and elected officials in the instance of a disaster. With a long-standing commitment to supporting local disaster relief efforts, the Wal-Mart Foundation works with the American Red Cross and other organizations in an effort to help its neighbors and communities during times of need. 

 “We are appreciative to the Wal-Mart Foundation for this much needed grant to enhance our local chapters’ ability to serve their communities,” said Michael Brown, Vice President of Corporate and Foundation Partnerships at the American Red Cross. “Because of their generous support, we will be better positioned to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters in communities across the country.”  

About the American Red Cross Frederick E. Turnage Chapter

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters including residential fires; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission.  Call 252-977-1720 for more information or visit www.TurnageRedCross.org. Contributions may be sent to the Frederick E. Turnage Chapter at 326 S. Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, N.C. 27804.

About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Wal-Mart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Wal-Mart Foundation supports initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. In 2007, Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Wal-Mart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the . To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org