Walmart spotlights disaster-torn communities on day five of Facebook campaign

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart said Friday that, on the fifth day of its "12 Days of Giving" Facebook campaign, it is awarding $130,000 to 13 nonprofits that are helping restore communities after natural disasters. Communities in Alabama, Connecticut, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wyoming will receive contributions from Walmart Foundation, the retailer’s philanthropic arm.



Over 12 consecutive days, Walmart will award a total of $1.5 million to 145 organizations.



“This year was particularly tough with several regions being impacted by disasters across the nation," said Julie Gehrki, senior director at the Walmart Foundation. "We want to remember these communities during the holidays to help brighten the season for those who have been through so much this year."



Walmart's call for nominations for its "12 Days of Giving" Facebook campaign resulted in more than 5,400 nominations from Facebook users who shared photos and short descriptions of a nonprofit's impact in its local community. A panel from the Walmart Foundation reviewed submissions and selected nonprofits with a focus on organizations that are providing basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and baby supplies.