Walmart Creates More Opportunities for People to Help Rescue Christmas this Holiday Season
To help meet the unprecedented level of need this holiday season, Walmart and The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division are working together to make it even easier for people to help others this Christmas. Building upon a 40-year relationship of supporting people in need during the holiday season, Walmart and The Salvation Army are bringing hope and joy to families through the expansion of programs like Angel Tree and Red Kettles, which will be out earlier, and – for the first time ever – round-up donations to The Salvation Army in-store and online.
The economic fallout of the ongoing health crisis has led to a new population of families and individuals facing unemployment and financial hardships that is expected to last through the holidays and well into the coming year. A recent study by Columbia University showed that nearly 8 million Americans have fallen into poverty since May. Some of The Salvation Army corps community centers have seen up to a fivefold increase in need since the start of the pandemic. With that in mind, both organizations are making it easier for customers to give to those in need this Christmas.
“We have seen a significant increase in the number of people seeking help to make ends meet during the pandemic,” said Lt. Col. Lonneal Richardson, divisional commander for The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division. “This includes our neighbors who are faced with difficult choices, such as putting food on the table or keeping the lights on. We are grateful for the support of Walmart and its customers, who can help us to not only ease the burden for struggling families, but brighten Christmas this year.”
In most Walmart stores across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, the expanded partnership includes:
Starting November 2, Walmart will offer customers the option to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and donate the difference to The Salvation Army. Customers can do this in stores at manned cash registers, on Walmart.com, or through the Walmart app. The option to donate will run through December 31.
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettles and iconic bell ringers will be at participating Walmart stores even earlier this year, starting on Saturday, November 21. The Salvation Army is adopting nationally mandated safety protocols for physical kettles to help ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors, and partners. Bell ringers will also be at select Sam’s Clubs.
Salvation Army Angel Trees will appear in participating Walmart stores, giving local shoppers the opportunity to select a child or children from the tree and to purchase or drop off gifts onsite.
Those who prefer to do their shopping online can visit salvationarmyusa.org/walmart-angel-tree to find their closest Angel Tree Registry, either in-store or online. Through the site, customers can shop for gifts and have them delivered directly to a local Salvation Army.
Visit salarmychristmas.org to donate or learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year. Every donation provides help and hope to the most vulnerable, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given. If you need services or know of someone in need, please visit salarmychicago.org to find a location near you.
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For tax purposes: The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division EIN is 36-2167910.