To help meet the unprecedented level of need this holiday season, Walmart and The Salvation Army of Rock County 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 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. With that in mind, both organizations are making it easier for customers to give to those in need this Christmas. Together, The Salvation Army and Walmart hope to Rescue Christmas for those in need within Rock County.
In Walmart stores across Rock County, 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.
· Salvation Army Angel Trees will appear in participating Walmart/ Sam’s Club stores, giving local shoppers the opportunity to select a child or children from the tree and to purchase or drop off gifts onsite. * Drop off in stores is only available in Janesville, WI. · Through The Salvation Army- Rock County’s Registry for Good (https://bit.ly/3p0qaTQ) those interested in supporting Angel Tree can do so from the comfort of their home. Items purchased through the registry can be picked up instore and brought to the local Salvation Army, or shipped straight to their building,
“Here in Rock County, we already have over 250 families that have applied for Christmas assistance. We help parents in prodiving gifts for their children during the holiday season, but this is the most need we’ve ever seen. Without the help of our community members, these children’s trees would be left empty. By donating toys and other items to the Angel Tree Program, you’re supporting those who would otherwise go without.” – Major Tom McDowell, The Salvation Army- Rock County Coordinator
Visit RescueChristmas.org to donate or learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year. Every donation provides help and hope to the most vulnerable, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given. If you need services or know of someone in need, please visit SalvationArmyUSA.org to find a location near you.