Wal-Mart Stores Inc. *

Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s long-term commitment to charities and nonprofit causes comes from its founder, Sam Walton, who believed that each Wal-Mart store should be not only a pillar of commerce, but also a pillar of the community.

Since its inception in 1979, the Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club Foundation and its Good Works community involvement program have raised and contributed more than $50 million to charities and nonprofits in the state. Nationally, that figure is $1 billion. In 2002 Wal-Mart associates in Arkansas raised and donated nearly $8 million, and through the first 10 months of last year, the foundation had given more than $7.8 million to various organizations in the state.

Each Wal-Mart store, Sam’s Club or distribution center is given the responsibility of contributing to the local community. Since the foundation believes it can make the greatest impact on communities by supporting issues and causes important to its customers in their own neighborhoods, the company empowers local stores to determine how Wal-Mart Foundation dollars will be spent.

And it’s not just money that the world’s largest retailer contributes. The company also encourages its employees to volunteer their support for local programs.

One of the biggest recipients in Arkansas is Arkansas Children’s Hospital, which received $1.35 million from Wal-Mart workers in 2001 . The company is the largest corporate supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network and through it has raised $220 million for the more than 170 children’s hospitals nationwide since 1988.

Through the United Way, the Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club Foundation’s support has proven vital to students. During 2001, more than $580,000 in scholarships were awarded to students in Arkansas.

Forbes magazine recognized Wal-Mart in 2002 as being one of the most philanthropic companies in America. And The Foundation Center of New York currently ranks Wal-Mart Foundation as No. 2 among corporate givers.