Associates of Wal-Mart stores and SAM’S CLUBS in Greater Washington on Tuesday donated $30,000 to the National Capital Chapter of the American Red Cross to support flood-relief efforts in the area.

"The recent severe flooding, which has displaced 3,100 families and destroyed 160 homes, has challenged us to reach out even more to our neighbors in need," said Karen Myrick, manager of the SAM’S CLUB in Laurel, Md. "Wal-Mart and SAM’S CLUB associates in this area have done a remarkable job of providing aid to their communities, and we’re so pleased to know the Red Cross will use these contributions to help many flood victims get back on their feet."

Eight Wal-Mart stores and three SAM’S CLUBS provided the relief funds. They include the Wal-Mart stores in Laurel, La Plata, Bowie, Clinton, Prince Frederick and Waldorf, Md., and in Fairfax and Sterling, Va.; and the SAM’S CLUBS in Laurel, Hyattsville and Waldorf, Md.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates 43 stores and clubs in Maryland, and employs more than 12,600 associates in the state. In Virginia, the company operates 79 stores and clubs and employs more than 28,300 associates. Last year Wal-Mart and SAM’S CLUB associates raised and contributed $1.9 million to non-profit organizations in Maryland and $4.9 million in Virginia.

Last year Wal-Mart associates raised and contributed more than $190 million to support communities and local non-profit organizations. FORTUNE magazine has named Wal-Mart the third "most admired" company in America and one of the 100 best companies to work for in the United States, and Americans named Wal-Mart the company they think of first in supporting local causes and issues, according to Cone, Inc. More information about Wal-Mart’s Good.Works. community involvement is available online at walmartfoundation.org.