Walmart and Salvation Army Launch Christmas Donation Initiative

The Salvation Army is teaming up with Walmart to make the holiday season brighter for those struggling this year.

From now through Christmas Eve, Walmart will match giving through the Christmas meal donation process, up to $500,000. In addition, between December 2 and 24, Walmart will match online and app roundup donations, up to $1 million. These matching initiatives will amplify the impact of every dollar given, ensuring that more families receive food, shelter and essential support during one of the most challenging seasons of the year.

“Across the country, more families are turning to The Salvation Army for help putting food on the table and keeping a roof over their heads,” said Commissioner Merle Heatwole, national commander of The Salvation Army. “Thanks to Walmart and its customers, we’ll be able to provide meals, housing assistance and critical resources for those who otherwise might go without this holiday season.”

On the flip side, Americans spent a record amount on Christmas purchases on Black Friday.

Through its longstanding partnership with Walmart, The Salvation Army will provide meals, toys and essential services to millions of people in need, ensuring that hope shines brightly this holiday season. People can participate in several ways:

• Red Kettle campaign (November 15 to December 24). The iconic red kettles return to Walmart and Sam’s Clubs nationwide. Shoppers can drop in cash or make a digital donation at the kettle to support programs providing food, shelter and hope to those in need all year long.
• Angel Tree (November 15 to December 15). At participating Walmart stores, customers can select an Angel Tree tag and purchase gifts for a local child in need. Gifts are collected and distributed by local Salvation Army units to ensure every child experiences the joy of Christmas morning.
• Online roundup (December 2 to 24). Walmart shoppers can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar, with every cent supporting The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign and programs in their local community. Between December 2 and December 24, Walmart will match online and app roundup donations, up to $1 million.
• Online Angel Tree (through December 15). Customers can support families by purchasing toys, coats and other essential items through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree registry. All items purchased online are shipped directly to local Salvation Army units for distribution to children and families in need.
• Holiday meal donation (through December 24) Customers shopping on Walmart.com can add a $5, $15 or $25 donation to their purchase to help provide meals for families in need. From now through December 24, Walmart will match donations, up to $500,000.

“We know our customers and members care deeply about their communities, especially during the holidays,” said Julie Gehrki, senior vice president at Walmart. “By working with The Salvation Army once again, we’re able to offer even more ways for them to give back.”

This week Walmart announced it is leaving the New York Stock Exchange for NASDAQ as part of its nationwide rebranding plan for 2026. In 2025, the company dropped its DEI policies.

–Dwight Widaman