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Released 18 September 2008
WAL-MART, TARGET COMMIT FUNDS
FOR IKE, GUSTAV REFLIEF EFFORTS
The Salvation Army, the American Red Cross
and Feeding America—major relief agencies responding to the devastation
left by Hurricanes Ike and Gustav in Texas and Louisiana—and regional
relief agencies will share in a $2.5 million commitment from Wal-Mart and $1
million from Target. The retailers’ support for relief efforts comes in
cash and merchandise donations, such as water, food and hygiene products.
“These
contributions to The Salvation Army in this time of need is just another
example of the generous support they’ve provided us throughout the
years,” said Major George Hood, national community relations secretary.
“It furthers our ability to provide long-term care and comfort to
individuals and families who’ve lost so much following these hurricanes,
something that is greatly appreciated.”
“At Wal-Mart, we work hard to provide support to
the communities we serve when they need it most,” said Margaret McKenna,
president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. “Given the magnitude and the
devastation caused by Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, it is important that we
intensify our relief efforts and help those who have been affected.”
Wal-Mart also committed three tractor trailers and drivers to assist the State
of Texas in delivering relief
supplies in the affected areas. Wal-Mart’s Health and Wellness division
is also assisting with the prescription needs of evacuees at 16 shelters in the
Dallas Metroplex, including the
Dallas Convention
Center, and an additional shelter in
Monroe,
La.
Laysha Ward, president of Target
community relations, said, “This year’s hurricane season has
brought devastation that continues to drain the resources needed for relief and
recovery. Target is committed to providing support to ensure that communities
are able to
recover as
quickly as possible.” In addition to the 80,000 food and comfort kits
Target donated to hurricane relief efforts last week, it also provided 500
blankets and 500 pillows to the Emergency Operations Center of Texas; an
additional 15,000 emergency food kits for the Houston area;
and an additional 5,000 comfort kits (containing toothpaste, toothbrush, body
wash or bar soap, hand sanitizer and deodorant) to The Salvation Army and Red
Cross.
Monetary donations earmarked “Disaster
Relief” may be sent to your local Salvation Army, made online at
www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling
1-800-SAL-ARMY.