Wal-Mart to donate $2.5M for hurricane relief

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Wal-Mart announced that it will donate $2.5 million toward relief efforts related to Hurricane Ike and Gustav. The company said it will contribute funds to the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and Feeding America to help communities in Texas and Louisiana rebuild after the hurricanes. The donation will also support the Texas Disaster Relief Fund and Baton Rouge Area Foundation’s efforts in Louisiana and Texas. Each organization will receive a portion of the commitment.

“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 said that to date, the Wal-Mart Foundation has allocated more than $2 million in grants to associates who have sustained significant damage to their homes.

Wal-Mart's aid goes beyond financial, the company said, noting that it has 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.