March 31, 2009 – The WalMart Foundation donated $175,000 to United Way of Kentucky to expand access to government and social services and to help to establish a statewide 2-1-1 system. The grant was made through the WalMart Foundation’s State Giving Program and will help United Way of Kentucky fulfill its mission to improve the health and welfare of all Kentuckians.
United Way of Kentucky provides training and technical assistance to member United Ways working to promote the organization throughout the state, manages the Kentucky Employees Charitable Campaign and coordinates crisis response in times of emergencies. There are currently 22 local United Ways partnered with United Way of Kentucky to help Kentuckians build stronger, healthier and safer communities.
“We strive to help our customers and the people in our surrounding communities live better,” said Jason Wetzel, Senior Manager Public Affairs for WalMart. “With this donation to the United Way, WalMart can help support Kentuckians who are working together to give back and improve communities across the state.”
There are 22 counties in Kentucky currently with access to 2-1-1 information and referral number, an easy-to-remember three-digit dialing code assigned by the Federal Communications Commission. It streamlines access to health and human services and volunteer opportunities. United Way of Kentucky is working with organizations, including local United Ways, established call centers, community leaders and telecommunications companies, to bring 2-1-1 to individuals in need all across Kentucky.
“Expanding access to 2-1-1 is a priority for United Way of Kentucky and our 22 local partners,” said Terry Tolan, President of United Way of Kentucky. “This is an incredible opportunity for United Ways to expand access to services at the local level and continue our efforts to bring 2-1-1 to individuals in need all across Kentucky.”
About Philanthropy at WalMart Stores, Inc.
WalMart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the WalMart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the WalMart Foundation supports initiatives focused on enhancing opportunities in education, job skills training, sustainability and health. In 2007, WalMart, Sam’s Club and the WalMart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States.
About WalMart Stores, Inc. in Kentucky (NYSE: WMT)
* Contributed more than $4.6 million to Kentucky organizations and local causes in cash and in-kind donations in 2007.
* Kentucky philanthropic contributions totaled nearly $6.9 million in 2007.
* The largest private employer in Kentucky.
* More than 33,000 Kentuckians are employed by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. The average wage for regular, full-time hourly associates in Kentucky is $11.28 per hour (Walmart Discount Stores, Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets). (March 2009)
About United Way of Kentucky
United Way of Kentucky is the voluntary association of 22 United Ways from across the Commonwealth. Serving local communities since 1984, United Way of Kentucky builds local United Way capacity and strengthens a statewide network to meet the human services needs of all Kentuckians. As the largest non-governmental funder of services to children and families in Kentucky, United Way has a long history of commitment to improving the quality of life for citizens of all ages throughout the Commonwealth.
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