Wal-Mart increases giving in United States, Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG -- Wal-Mart announced its charitable giving in the United States totaled more than $467 million in cash and in-kind gifts in the fiscal year ending 2010 (Feb. 1, 2009 to Jan. 31) -- an $89 million increase over the previous year's giving.

In international markets, Wal-Mart gave $45 million in cash and in-kind gifts.

In Pennsylvania, Wal-Mart gave more than $11.59 million to support non-profits like Shriners Hospital for Children, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and dozens more like them.

Additionally, Wal-Mart associates and customers raised $3.6 million to help Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations in communities in the vicinity of their stores.

In the U.S., Wal-Mart doubled donations to food banks at a time when they are being accessed more than ever. Giving more than 127 million pounds of nutritious food -- the equivalent of nearly 100 million meals -- from Wal-Mart stores, distribution centers and Sam's Club locations, Wal-Mart increased food donations by 81 million pounds over its 2009 totals.

Also, more than 90,000 bottles of water, 24,000 blankets, 27,000 tents and more than 20,000 units of medical supplies, such as gauze and surgical masks, were donated in response to the Haiti earthquake.