Sam’s Club locations open to non-members in Central Okla.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Five Sam’s Club locations in Central Oklahoma are temporarily waiving membership requirements to support residents and communities affected by the tornadoes that ravaged the area May 20.

The clubs also established free power stations so members of the community without power could recharge their mobile devices, laptop computers and other electronic devices.

“In the aftermath of any disaster, Sam’s Club understands that helping people and communities meet their basic needs is the first step toward restoring normalcy,” said Kurt Hess, Sam’s Club market manager for the region. “With several residents and businesses affected by these devastating storms, we want to ensure our community has access to the things they need to recover.”

The Sam’s Club locations include:

• Norman: 3400 West Main St.

• Oklahoma City: 5510 SW 5th St.

• Oklahoma City: 9000 NW Passage

• Midwest City: 6521 SE 29th Street

• Edmond/Oklahoma City: 1900 Memorial Rd.

Hess said the free power stations are especially useful for those without power at a time when many depend on their wireless phones, devices and computers to communicate. All club locations are equipped with free Wi-Fi capabilities.

“We want to open our doors to whomever we can assist, and that includes those who simply need a place to sit down and recharge their mobile devices,” Hess said. “In the aftermath of a storm like this, people need to be able to communicate with loved ones.”

Local Sam’s Clubs are equipped with recovery essentials including ready-to-eat meals, flashlights, generators, pharmacy services and bulk necessities including water and batteries. Additionally, the Sam’s Club locations in Norman and Midwest City will have expanded hours at its pharmacy — from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through next week — to better serve those affected by the storms. Non-members can also use the pharmacy.

Sam’s Club has been working closely with disaster relief partners, including the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, to identify community needs throughout the region and help ensure essential items like food and water are available to those in need.