Walmart's "12 Days of Giving" Facebook Campaign Sparks Holiday Spirit Across the U.S. through $1.5 Million in Grants to 140 Nonprofits

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The holidays just got a little brighter for nonprofits around the country as Walmart begins announcing the winners of its second annual "12 Days of Giving" campaign. Today, on its first day of giving, Walmart awards $100,000 to 10 nonprofits for their important work to feed hungry children in local communities. This special holiday gift is part of the more than $1.5 million that Walmart will give away to 140 grant recipients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. over the next 12 days. The winning nonprofits were selected from more than 21,677 nominations submitted in November by Facebook users who felt compelled to enter and describe the community impact made by their favorite nonprofit.

"The number of nominations from around the country this year was truly extraordinary—nearly four times as many nominations as last year's campaign," said Sylvia Mathews Burwell, president of the Walmart Foundation. "We were inspired by the support from thousands of people around the country who took the time to nominate organizations they felt needed assistance this holiday season. By helping us to identify those organizations doing great work, we will be able to make an impact in the local communities that need it most."

Submissions were initially reviewed by Walmart associates from across the company and then a panel from the Walmart Foundation selected the winning organizations that focus on providing basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing as well as services such as medical care and job training. The winners have been organized into categories to be announced on each of the "12 Days" and will be spotlighted on the Live Better tab on Walmart's Facebook page daily through Dec. 21:

• Day 1: Feeding Our Children
• Day 2: Supporting Our Seniors
• Day 3: Honoring Those Who Give (Volunteers)
• Day 4: Recognizing the Face of Hunger
• Day 5: Building a Brighter Future (Children)
• Day 6: Supporting our Military and Veterans
• Day 7: Fueling Lifelong Careers (Job Training)
• Day 8: Helping Communities Rebuild (Disaster Relief)
• Day 9: Providing Shelter
• Day 10: Fighting Hunger
• Day 11: Shaping Healthier Futures (Medical & Emotional Support)
• Day 12: Providing Warmth to Our Neighbors (Clothing Donations)

The organizations being honored today include:

About Philanthropy at Walmart 
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Sustainability, Workforce Opportunity and Women's Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. To date, Walmart has donated more than 1 billion pounds of food to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart's giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.

SOURCE Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.