This past Friday Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announced a focus on military families as the second part of our "Walmart Gives Back" holiday giving campaign. As I've said before, this is a topic that's near to my heart and I'm so fortunate to focus on the military as part of my work at the Walmart Foundation.
I have found over the years that our service members, their families and our veterans are selfless. They are solid as a rock, willing to defend our country and our freedoms, while not asking for or expecting anything in return. A word of appreciation or an act of kindness seems unexpected and each is received with a humble spirit. I stand in awe of their service and sacrifice and take pride in how our company embraces opportunities to support military families and veterans.
At Fort Bragg on Friday we announced a $1.1 million donation that will benefit military families and as part of that donation, we set up toy shops near military bases where the Pentagon reports have the highest troop deployment. The six locations had toys and books donated from Walmart where 3,000 military moms and dads "shopped" for their children. This event will help bring Christmas to 10,000 military children.
It was great to be on hand to see moms and dads shopping to make a better Christmas for their children. At Walmart, we're so proud to be able to provide for our military families. Christmas music, toys, volunteers galore and the smiles (and tears) that framed the day will live in my mind and heart forever. On Friday, we made a difference! We'll be posting video and photos from the event. Stay tuned!