Walmart Partners with The Salvation Army to "Rescue Christmas"
To help meet the unprecedented level of need this holiday season, Walmart and The Salvation Army Western Michigan and Northern Indiana Division are working together to make it even easier for people to help others this Christmas. Building upon a 40-year relationship of supporting people in need during the holiday season, Walmart and The Salvation Army are bringing hope and joy to families through the expansion of programs like Angel Tree and Red Kettles, which will be out earlier, and, for the first time ever, round-up donations to The Salvation Army in-store and online.
The economic fallout of the ongoing health crisis has led to a new population of families and individuals facing unemployment and financial hardships that are expected to last through the holidays and well into the coming year. A recent study by Columbia University showed that nearly 8 million Americans have fallen into poverty since May. In our division, we are seeing a significant increase in people who need our help this holiday season. With that in mind, both organizations are making it easier for customers to give to those in need this Christmas.
In most Walmart stores across [state/city], the expanded partnership includes:
- Starting November 2, Walmart will offer customers the option to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and donate the difference to The Salvation Army. Customers can do this in stores at manned cash registers, on Walmart.com or through the Walmart app. The option to donate will run through December 31.
- The Salvation Army’s Red Kettles and iconic bell ringers will be at participating Walmart stores even earlier this year, starting on Saturday, November 21. The Salvation Army is adopting nationally mandated safety protocols for physical kettles to help ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors and partners. Bell ringers will also be at select Sam’s Clubs across Michigan and Indiana.
- Salvation Army Angel Trees will appear in participating Walmart stores, giving local shoppers the opportunity to select a child or children from the tree and to purchase or drop off gifts onsite.
- Those who prefer to do their shopping online can find their closest Angel Tree Registry online where they can shop for gifts and have them delivered directly to a local Salvation Army. A list of all of our division's registries is available here >> SHOP ONLINE!
- Celebrities like DJ Khaled have taken up the #RescueChristmas Challenge, encouraging others to adopt an angel from The Salvation Army Angel Tree program in their hometown.
Thank you to Walmart and all of our friends supporting our efforts this holiday season. If you or your family needs assistance, please contact your closest Salvation Army location.