Walmart's "12 Days of Giving" Facebook Campaign Spreads $1.5 Million in Holiday Cheer Across All 50 States

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 'Tis the season for spreading holiday cheer and Walmart is doing just that. Today, the company kicks off its "12 Days of Giving" campaign, awarding over $1.5 million to nonprofits that were nominated by Facebook users. By the end of the campaign, 145 grant recipients in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico will be honored. Twenty-five nonprofits that have stepped up to fight hunger are receiving a total of $130,000 on the first day of giving.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090914/WALMARTLOGO )

Walmart's 12-day call for submissions resulted in more than 5,400 nominations from Facebook users who shared photos and short descriptions of a nonprofit's impact in its local community. A panel from the Walmart Foundation reviewed submissions and selected winners with a focus on organizations that are providing basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and baby supplies.

"The response to our campaign was incredible – the organizations selected and the extraordinary people behind them are rising to the occasion, using their time and talents to make an impact in their local communities," said Julie Gehrki, senior director at the Walmart Foundation. "The selected nonprofits reflect some of the most pressing issues facing our country today. We are honored to support them in their mission."

Nominations consistently fell in several categories that will make up Walmart's "12 Days of Giving" and will be spotlighted on Walmart's Facebook page daily through December 23:

• Day 1: Fighting Hunger
• Day 2: Building a Brighter Future
• Day 3: Supporting Our Senior Population
• Day 4: Providing Clothing
• Day 5: Helping Communities Rebuild
• Day 6: Overcoming Crisis Situations
• Day 7: Providing Housing and Shelter
• Day 8: Supporting Our Troops
• Day 9: Rising Above Adversity  
• Day 10: Lending A Helping Hand
• Day 11: Doing It All
• Day 12: Honoring Our Heroes

The hunger relief organizations being spotlighted today include:

In total, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are providing more than $19 million in grants this holiday season. Click here for a complete list of recipient organizations and for additional details on the "12 Days of Giving" campaign.

About Philanthropy at Walmart 

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, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

SOURCE Walmart Foundation