Sam's Club Gives Holiday Cheer to Families and Small Businesses

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Sam's Club announced a series of grants and donations totaling $869,000 to support growth and success of U.S. small businesses and bring holiday cheer to business owners and families in need across the country.  

In an unprecedented effort to expand year-round support for small business growth and success, Sam's Club and the Sam's Club Giving Program have forged a collaboration with national non-profit SCORE to provide more than $500,000 in supplies, training and holiday spirit to 102 U.S. small businesses (two in each state plus Washington, DC). Furthermore, Sam's Club and non-profit Off the Field Players Wives Association will huddle in mid-December for a $220,000 shopping spree to benefit 22 U.S. families in need through The Salvation Army. In total, Sam's Club will provide $869,000 to help SCORE and the Salvation Army in their missions to create jobs and aid families this holiday season.

"Our collaborations with SCORE, The Salvation Army and Off the Field allow Sam's Club to provide the tools and goods our communities need to enter the New Year with increased confidence and optimism," said John Boswell, senior vice president of marketing, member insights and ecommerce for Sam's Club. "Everyday our associates strive to positively impact the lives of local families and small businesses that are so important to the fabric and success of our country.  The Christmas season is certainly no exception."

Holiday Cheer for Small Businesses

In collaboration with SCORE, an organization dedicated to helping small businesses grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship, Sam's Club will provide 102 businesses nationwide – 2 in every state and in Washington, DC - with a $1,000 gift card to purchase merchandise critical to run their business. Sam's Club also provided a $547,000 grant to SCORE to provide travel and access for the 102 chosen recipients to a 2-day "High Speed Growth Seminar," a special training program featuring key executives and workshops on attracting customers, branding, online marketing and developing a sales plan. The grant will also fund continued regional and local training with SCORE mentors. 

"Our mission is to grow successful businesses across America, one at a time," said W. Kenneth Yancey, Jr., CEO, SCORE. "Small businesses truly are the backbone of our economy, particularly during lean times. With the support of Sam's Club this holiday season, these small businesses will be in a position to take the critical next step in their evolution."

Two of those small businesses include Revelle Academy and Sweet Robichaux. Revelle Academy offers the largest selection of music and dance classes in Sarasota, Fla., while home-based Sweet Robichaux of Gonzales, La., specializes in locally made sweets, treats and confections for events. The 102 small businesses were chosen based on each business's need and commitment to ongoing learning and growth. To see a full list of small businesses benefitting from the Sam's Club – SCORE alliance, visit SamsClub.com/giving.

Giving Back to Families

For the sixth consecutive year, Sam's Club has teamed up with Off the Field, a non-profit organization comprised of wives of active and retired professional football players, to bring joy to families through The Salvation Army with shopping events in 11 cities nationwide. In total, 220 families – 20 per city – will receive a combined $220,000 in food and holiday gifts, including clothes, personal items, electronics, toys and essentials from Sam's Club. Recipient families were pre-selected by The Salvation Army.

The shopping events with Off the Field for The Salvation Army will be held Wednesday, Dec. 12 at Sam's Club locations in select U.S. cities including: Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, New Orleans, Phoenix and Pittsburgh.

"Being a part of these shopping events is a rewarding experience for all of the volunteers involved," said Ericka Lassiter, president, Off the Field. "It is programs like these that embody the spirit of the holiday season."

A recent Sam's Club study on Holiday Cheer reported that more than 85 percent of American consumers get more cheer from giving than they do receiving. To learn more about grants through the Sam's Club Giving program and simple ways to give back to the community, visit www.SamsClub.com/giving.

About Sam's Club Giving

Sam's Club supports community-based programs that empower young people, families and small businesses to make smart choices that lead to healthy and bright futures. In 2011, Sam's Club and the Sam's Club Giving Program made cash and in-kind contributions of more than $101.3 million which included donating more than 38 million meals.

About Sam's Club

Sam's Club®, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is the nation's eighth largest retailer and a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products and services to more than 47 million members in clubs across the U.S., as well as in Brazil, China and Mexico. Members save an average of 34 percent over traditional retailers. To learn more about Savings Made Simple®, visit SamsClub.com, and look for Sam's Club on our Mobile and iPad® Apps.

SOURCE Sam’s Club