Cause Marketing/ Community Programs

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — In honor of Adopt-a-Dog Month in October, Sam's Club announced that it is pledging $20,000 of Simply Right branded pet food, supplies and Sam's Club gift cards to four U.S. animal shelters in need of support following recent natural disasters. The pet food is part of Sam's Club's new proprietary brand Simply Right line of quality and affordable pet care products, available exclusively to Sam's Club members.

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — BJ's Charitable Foundation announced that it has donated $389,200 to 55 nonprofit organizations in the 15 states where BJ's Wholesale Clubs are located. The donated funds will be dispersed to organizations that focus in four areas: hunger prevention, self-sufficiency, health care and education, the company reported.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys“R”Us announced that it has once again teamed up with four-time NBA Champion, actor, philanthropist and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal to launch its eighth annual nationwide fundraising campaign to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

TOPEKA, Kan. — Payless ShoeSource announced that it is inviting nonprofit organizations to join the retailer in its big holiday giving program, Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids, where it will deliver more than $1.2 million of free shoes to children of families in need across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and in 11 Latin American and Caribbean countries this holiday season.  

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart and the Walmart Foundation on Friday named Sylvia Mathews Burwell as president of the Walmart Foundation.

Burwell will join Walmart in January 2012 to lead the company's charitable giving efforts and Walmart's Global Women's Economic Empowerment Initiative. Burwell will also guide the company's social, environmental and economic opportunity efforts in Africa, the company said.

Sylvia Mathews Burwell was named president of the Walmart Foundation Friday morning and will join the organization in January 2012. She currently serves as president global development for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and will replace Margaret McKenna who served as president of the Walmart Foundation since 2007 and announced her retirement earlier this year.

PITTSBURGH — Dick's Sporting Goods announced that it is honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month with its "October -- The Power of Pink" campaign supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Throughout October, Dick's Sporting Goods will feature a variety of pink ribbon items in its stores and online at www.DicksSportingGoods.com/pink from top brands including Nike, Reebok, Under Armour, Lady Hagen and MaxFli and is encouraging consumers to join in showing their support for the cause.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that has partnered with FishWish to help reach its goal selling only sustainable and traceable seafood in its stores by 2015.