Walmart aids Texas, Okla. flood victims

As Texas deals with the aftermath of tragic flooding, Walmart is trying to make a difference in the state where it has its largest presence.

The Walmart Foundation has announced donations totaling $500,000 to organizations helping with relief efforts for those affected by the floods in Texas and Oklahoma.

"We are committed to helping families throughout Texas and Oklahoma impacted by the flooding this week. Because those affected include our own store associates and customers, many associates in these communities immediately jumped into action to help others when the flooding began,” said Dan Bartlett, executive vice president of Corporate Affairs for Walmart. “Having been raised in Texas, my thoughts and prayers are with the local communities, our customers and our associates. Walmart takes pride in using our strengths to help the thousands of communities in which we operate, especially during times of natural disaster, as we’ve done in the U.S. and countries all over the world. We will continue lending support to the people of Texas and Oklahoma as we work to rebuild.”

The amount donated includes cash along with in-kind donations such as food, water, cleaning supplies, baby and personal care products. When flooding began earlier this week, Walmart immediately donated and delivered 75,000 bottles of water to affected areas in the Texas communities of Henderson and San Marcos.

The company has also donated cleaning products, diapers, work gloves and other supplies to support flood relief efforts and supply shelters in Houston, Wimberley and San Marcos.

These donations are in addition to the $80,000 the Walmart Foundation committed to the America Red Cross to provide relief assistance in Texas and Oklahoma when severe storms hit those states earlier this month. For Walmart, helping communities in need during times of tragedy is personal, with associates living and working in communities affected.

The company has sent people into the field to aid in relief efforts, and associates at Walmart store #404 in San Marcos have volunteered their time to help clean and repair homes of fellow associates and customers after the flood.

“At our store, we consider both our customers and associates as part of an extended family that supports one another during times of crisis,” said Nikki Gonzalez, assistant store manager at Walmart. “We assembled a group of associates who wanted to volunteer, and under the direction of the City of San Marcos, the team was given addresses of residents who needed help. We ripped out carpets and helped clean up their homes. There were so many people that needed help, and we were just trying to make a difference where we could. It makes me very proud to work for a company that supports us in going out and helping people in our community. There is a lot more work to be done, but I know that together we can overcome this natural disaster that has affected so many families here.”

Walmart says it will continue to work closely with disaster relief organizations such as the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army,Feeding America and local agencies to determine the needs of individual communities.

“We are extremely thankful for Walmart’s generosity as we work to help people in Texas and Oklahoma by providing shelter, food, relief supplies, first aid and a shoulder to lean on,” said Derrick Chubbs, division vice president, American Red Cross Southwest and Rocky Mountains Division. “Support from donors such as Walmart will allow the Red Cross to sustain relief efforts in these affected areas to help people get back on their feet.”

Walmart operates 11,462 stores under 72 banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries.