Wal-Mart, Sam's Club to donate $1 million to Salvation Army

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club associates will be kicking off the holiday season by supporting The Salvation Army.

Nationwide, the company said, its associates will participate in “Bells Ringing Across America”, a half-hour event, dedicated to raising money for the foundation by ringing the bells and inviting customers to support the annual campaign.

Wal-Mart chief executive officer Lee Scott will ring the Red Kettle bell alongside The Salvation Army’s National Commander Israel Gaither and Kellogg Company President and chief executive officer David Mackay at the Wal-Mart store in Battle Creek, Mich.

During “Bells Ringing Across America,” Scott will present a check for $1 million from the Wal-Mart Foundation to The Salvation Army to further exhibit the company’s support of the Red Kettle campaign. Additionally, Rayovac Batteries will launch its “Keep it Ringing” cross-country bell-ringing program benefiting The Salvation Army from Battle Creek on Nov. 27, and will present $250,000 to the organization.

Last year, The Salvation Army collected a record $30 million in front of Wal-Mart stores and Sam’s Club locations, the most raised by any partner.

Funds donated by customers helped The Salvation Army to serve 35 million people by providing basic social services such as food, shelter, clothing and financial assistance.