Salvation Army Families in Need to Receive $50,000 in Food and Gifts

BENTONVILLE, ARK., Dec. 4, 2008 – Sam’s Club has teamed up with Off the Field Players’ Wives Association and The Salvation Army for the second year to brighten the holidays for local families in Atlanta, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas and San Diego for the company’s annual Dream Drive event.

Dream Drive joins a bevy of current and legendary professional football players’ wives from Off the Field for a shopping spree Thursday, December 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at participating Sam’s Club locations to select much needed items and gifts for Salvation Army families. The Salvation Army identifies approximately 50 families via its sponsored gift program to receive holiday gifts from the events.

“We are pleased we can partner with Off the Field to provide food, gifts and personal items to the Salvation Army and families participating in their holiday programs,” said Sharon Orlopp, vice president of People at Sam’s Club.

This year, participants from Off the Field kick off the shopping event by ringing Salvation Army bells outside select Sam’s Club locations in an effort to encourage donations and raise awareness.

Among participants from the association are team captains including Sherice Brown, wife of retired Oakland Raiders Flanker Tim Brown, Ashley Brown, wife of retired Washington Redskins Offensive Lineman and current Buffalo Bills Coach Ray Brown. These women and others will be assisted by Salvation Army volunteers and Sam’s Club associates as they select a wide range of holiday gifts, including clothes, food, personal items and toys – of course!

"I was a Dream Drive shopper last year, and I was astonished by the needs in my community," said Sherice Brown, Off the Field board member. "Even though the needs were big, the other wives and I were able to get most of the items on the Salvation Army family wish lists and more at Sam's Club."

Sam’s Club locations will kick-off the day hosting a complimentary breakfast with members from Off the Field and Salvation Army representatives and volunteers. Sam’s Club associates will offer their expertise on ideal gifts and Sam’s Club exclusives to add to donation carts. Once the shopping is complete, the groups will wrap the gifts for The Salvation Army to take back to community centers and eventually, the deserving families.

Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations will once again welcome The Salvation Army bell-ringers and their famous red kettles to store and club entrances nationwide from Friday, Nov. 28, through Wednesday, Dec. 24. Last year, The Salvation Army collected a record $30 million in front of Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations, the most raised by any partner.

In addition to welcoming The Salvation Army bell-ringers and kettles to Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations, the Walmart Foundation has made a donation of $1.25 million, and stores and clubs hosted a special day of giving Nov. 8 to encourage customers and associates to give early this holiday season.

Walmart and Sam’s Club are proud to have partnered with The Salvation Army for more than 20 years, and to provide a place for the volunteer bell ringers to place their kettles and collect donations which help people in need in local communities nationwide.

"The Salvation Army is striving to make this a season of joy for so many families in need during a particularly difficult year," said Major George Hood, national community relations secretary for The Salvation Army. “This effort will go a long way to help lift spirits and provide for often unmet but simple needs such as personal items and food as well as small gifts.“

About Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club is a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT). The first Sam’s Club opened its doors in Midwest City, Oklahoma in 1983. Today, Sam’s Club serves more than 47 million U.S. Members with locations nationwide, and in Brazil, Canada, China, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Sam’s Club offers exceptional values on merchandise and services for business owners and consumers. Online merchandise and club information is available at samsclub.com.

About Off The Field
Off the Field strives to use our network of women to enrich the lives of those in surrounding communities where we live. We are dedicated to raising funds and creating awareness for local and national charitable organizations that strengthen the family unit.

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