Associates of Colorado’s Wal-Mart stores and SAM’S CLUBS have contributed more than $120,000 in merchandise, phone cards and disaster-relief funds to help the victims of wildfires raging through the state.

More than $60,000 in merchandise - water, Gatorade, snacks, pet food, flashlights, coolers, personal care items and more - has been given and delivered by associates in several of the effected communities. In addition, $45,000 has been donated to chapters of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and Humane Society in Denver, Colorado Springs, Canon City, Glenwood Springs and Durango.

Associates also gave more than 4,000 100-minute phone cards to the U.S. Forest Service to enable firefighters battling the blazes to call home. The cards are valued at $14,000.

Wal-Mart and SAM’S representatives are in contact with the governor’s office to determine additional needs.

To facilitate customer giving, many Wal-Mart stores and SAM’S CLUBS in Colorado are serving as collection points for the Salvation Army and other relief agencies, and are hosting fund-raising events. Earlier this week, a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Colorado Springs helped raise $60,000 in cash and a truckload in merchandise in conjunction with community organizations and a local radio station.

"The devastating wildfires throughout our state have challenged us to reach out even more to our neighbors in need," said Joe Berry, district manager for Wal-Mart in the Denver area. "Wal-Mart and SAM’S CLUB associates throughout the state have done a remarkable job of providing aid to their communities, and we’re happy to help the Red Cross, Salvation Army and others in their efforts to get as many victims as possible back on their feet."

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates more than 50 Wal-Mart stores, Supercenters, SAM’S CLUBS and distribution centers in Colorado and employs more than 18,000 associates in the state. Last year, the company’s associates in the state donated more than $3 million to community organizations, while associates nationwide raised and donated more than $196 million. More information on the company’s Good Works initiatives can be found at www.walmartfoundation.org.