BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart Inc., Sam’s Club, and the Walmart Foundation have pledged $750,000 to aid recovery and relief efforts in some communities affected by the powerful storms that tore through parts of Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri on Friday.
The devastating weather event caused widespread destruction and left many residents without homes or electricity, with particularly severe impacts reported in St. Louis, Missouri, and the towns of London and Somerset, Kentucky.
“Our teams are working closely with local leaders and first responders, and we're actively coordinating efforts across Walmart to provide support where it’s needed most,” said John Furner, President and CEO of Walmart U.S. “The loss of life and the damage to these communities is heartbreaking. We’re thinking of our friends and neighbors who are dealing with the aftermath.”
In St. Louis, Walmart has partnered with Annie Malone Children & Family Services to deliver two truckloads of critical supplies to local residents. In London, Kentucky, Walmart’s local Supercenter (Store #1113) is serving free hot meals with the help of Operation BBQ Relief, while Matthew 25: Ministries, Procter & Gamble, and Walmart are providing mobile laundry services and showers through the Tides Loads of Hope program.
Walmart and Sam’s Club are also supporting impacted areas across the three states with technology assistance. Partnering with the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC), the retailers are deploying mobile wi-fi services and charging stations to help residents stay connected and power essential devices.
“Our thoughts are with our associates, our members, and the families who have been impacted by the tornadoes in the communities Sam’s Club calls home,” said Chris Nicholas, President and CEO of Sam’s Club. “We are moving quickly to provide the support these communities need as they recover from the severe weather.”
This latest commitment builds on Walmart’s ongoing disaster relief efforts. Earlier this year, the company responded to similar emergencies in Kentucky and Missouri, supporting areas affected by severe storms and flooding.
In addition to financial contributions and logistical support, Walmart emphasized its continued focus on helping associates, customers, and the broader community through its disaster response infrastructure. More information on those efforts can be found on the company’s Disaster Response webpage.
As communities begin the long process of cleanup and recovery, Walmart and Sam’s Club say they remain committed to standing with local partners every step of the way.
