Walmart & The Salvation Army Partner For 122nd Annual Red Kettle Campaign

Red Kettle Donations and “Fill the Truck” Toy Drives to Help Provide a Cheerful Christmas to Children Nationwide 

      Alexandria, VA (November 28, 2012) – Walmart and The Salvation Army announced today that they are partnering this holiday season for the 122nd Annual Red Kettle Campaign. Walmart and Sam’s Club stores across the country will host The Salvation Army’s iconic red kettles and bell ringers again this holiday season between Friday, November 23rd and Monday, December 24th. Last year, Walmart and Sam’s Club helped The Salvation Army raise more than $46 million—nearly one-third of all money raised. All donations made to the red kettles will remain in the local communities in which they were collected, and help The Salvation Army provide food, clothing, shelter, financial assistance and other services to 30 million people a year. In addition, on Saturday, December 8, more than 2,500 Walmart stores will participate in “Fill the Truck” toy drives to help provide new toys and coats to children in need on Christmas.
      “As we gather with friends and family to celebrate the holidays this year, it’s important for us to remember our neighbors in need,” said Sylvia Mathews Burwell, president of the Walmart Foundation. “By working with The Salvation Army and our generous shoppers, we hope to be able to provide families nationwide with basic need items like food, clothing and shelter, as well as bring more smiles to thousands of children on Christmas day.”

     “Fill the Truck” events will begin at 9:00 a.m. and run until 5:00 p.m. local time on Saturday, December 8 at select Walmart stores. The events are open to the general public who would like to donate new toys and coats to children who take part in Salvation Army programs year round. Upon arrival, shoppers will receive a list of suggested gifts to add to the truck or collection bin at the stores. Once the donation receptacles are full, The Salvation Army will bring the donations to their local units and distribute the gifts throughout the Christmas season as part of their support to local families in need. Collections are expected to provide gifts to more than 10,000 children nationwide.