Walmart Gets into the Christmas Spirit

Walmart has a reputation, particularly during the holidays, and this week, the company gets a running start as Secret Santa by launching its second annual “12 Days of Giving” Campaign.

Like last year, the campaign will use Facebook as its platform by inviting users of the social network to nominate their favorite nonprofit organizations to be the recipient of part of a grant worth $1.5 million in tended to help out local communities and organizations across the globe.

Said president of the Walmart Foundation, Sylvia Mathews Burwell:

“There are so many local nonprofits making a positive impact every day and yet, oftentimes we don’t hear about them or their needs. With this campaign, we want to recognize these organizations and the difference they are making in their communities. This holiday season, we are asking and depending on consumers to tell us about the organizations in their communities who need our support. Together, we can help more people who need it the most.”

Walmart intends on focusing on nonprofits that are particularly provide such basic needs to their communities as food, shelter, clothing and baby supplies.

How to Nominate Your Favorite Not-for-Profit

In order to nominate an organization, Facebook users must visit Walmart’s wall to write in their entries by adhering to the following submission guidelines:

• Visitors nominate local organizations by submitting a 200-word description, including the nonprofit’s impact in its local community.
• Participants must also submit photos illustrating how the nonprofit helps families make ends meet; a gallery on the page will highlight submissions throughout the campaign.
• A panel from the Walmart Foundation will review submissions and select the winners.
• Grant recipients will be announced on Facebook daily from Dec. 12 to Dec. 23.

Walmart is accepting submissions until November 30, 2012.

Testimony from Last Year’s Successful Program

Last year, Walmart’s “12 Days of Giving” Facebook Program was a huge success and there has been tons of testimony to prove it. For instance, John Galina and Dale Beatty represent Purple Heart Homes, one of 5,400 nominated groups and one of 145 winners of a grant in last year’s contest. The grant was used to supply heat and basic home staples for many disabled veterans in need. Another winner, Cradles to Crayons was able – with the help Walmart – to deliver clothing, boots and other winter weather essentials to 7,500 children in need.

This year, each of the program’s “12 Days” will focus on a particular theme representing those most in need including hunger, military and veteran help – and of course, disaster relief which is especially pertinent in the wake of the Hurricane Sandy that devastated a large part of the Northeast just last week.

Walmart’s Basic Philanthropic Mission

Unbeknownst to many, Walmart has been a long-time supporter of philanthropic acts, and maintains the following philosophy as shared on its web site:

“Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives.”

To learn more about Walmart’s passion for giving, you can visit Walmartfoundation.com.

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