To help meet the unprecedented level of need this holiday season, Walmart and The Salvation Army in Susanville 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 COVID-19 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 Northern Nevada, we served 5,006 people last year during the holiday season. We expect that number to be exponentially larger this year due to the pandemic. With that in mind, both organizations are making it easier for customers to give to those in need this Christmas.
“The long-standing Partnership between Walmart and The Salvation Army continues to grow stronger each year to reach out and help those in need throughout Northern Nevada,” said Major Darren Trimmer, Salvation Army Reno.
“We are grateful for this partnership again this year as we continue to serve, especially during this season of COVID. Thank you, Walmart for your partnership.”
In most Walmart stores across northern California and Nevada, the expanded partnership includes:
- 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 are already at participating Walmart stores, earlier than ever. The Salvation Army is adopting nationally mandated safety protocols for physical kettles to help ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors and partners.
- 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 visit WalmartAngelTree.com find their closest Angel Tree Registry, either in-store or online. Through the site, customers can shop for gifts and have them delivered directly to a local Salvation Army.
- 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.
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 GoSalArmy.org to find a location near you.
