Wal-Mart Foundation donates $75,000 to World Vision

Chicago, Ill., February 17, 2009 — Wal-Mart Foundation has teamed up with World Vision to help families in impoverished Chicago communities by providing them with clothing, toiletries and household items through their Family Essentials Program. This program provides support to unemployed women who are searching for a job.

Todd Libbra, Wal-Mart’s VP and regional general manager for Illinois, presented the check during a ceremony at the organization’s Storehouse. World Vision and Wal-Mart representatives were also joined by Aldermen Sharon Denise Dixon (24^th Ward) and Emma Mitts (37^th Ward).

“These basic, essential items are often things that many of these women must go without, because of their circumstances. Our goal is to give them a ‘hand up’ in their journey to becoming self-sustaining,” said Felecia Thompson, World Vision’s Chicago Storehouse director. “During these difficult economic times, many families are struggling. We are grateful to Wal-Mart Foundation for their support in helping us continue to provide these resources.”

World Vision’s Chicago Storehouse, located at 5001 W. Harrison St. in Chicago, distributes monthly Family Essentials packages filled with clothes, shoes, coats, and other necessities. World Vision partners with Chicago’s churches and community-based organizations to provide these items to their community’s families in need. The Chicago Storehouse is part of World Vision’s domestic operations that come alongside communities in their journey away from poverty.

“We believe in helping people live better and this program speaks directly to that goal,” Libbra said. “World Vision has reached out to families in need and is helping to improve their quality of life. We are proud to be part of such an important step in helping these families.”

Prior to the ceremony, some women were at the Storehouse selecting career clothing for job interviews and children received clothing and coats. Wal-Mart team members also spent the morning volunteering at the Storehouse.

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About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Wal-Mart 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 Wal-Mart Foundation supports initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. In 2007, Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Wal-Mart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.


World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org/press.