Veterans Support Organizations Dedicates Plaque to Honor Staff at Winder Walmart

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Over Memorial Day weekend, while there were many tributes, backyard barbeques and pool parties, the local chapter of Veterans Support Organization took time to thank the staff of the Winder Walmart for their commitment to local veterans.

“Without the dedication of people like Chris, we would not be able to bring aid to so many of our local area veterans”

With the help of Walmart store #520 on Atlanta Highway in Winder, Georgia, the Georgia chapter of the Veterans Support Organization is able to help countless area veterans.

As a result, and to show their appreciation, Kelley Cassani and Chris Tullis, of the Veterans Support Organization, presented Chris Talley, operations manager of the Winder Walmart, with a plaque in recognition of his and the company’s ongoing support of the organization.

With Walmart’s permission, the Veterans Support Organization is able to raise funds at the Winder store. The organization’s fundraising efforts help them to provide ongoing assistance to local area veterans in need.

“Without the dedication of people like Chris, we would not be able to bring aid to so many of our local area veterans,” said Bill Mock, administrative director of the Georgia chapter of the Veterans Support Organization. “Walmart has been instrumental in our efforts in this area; their support is invaluable. We are extremely grateful.”

The Veterans Support Organization is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit that helps veterans who are homeless, or near homeless, organize a “path” to independent living. The organization has created and manages several programs that specifically address the emotional and financial needs of veterans.

The Veterans Support Organization currently operates in 11 states, including Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Texas. The organization plans to continue to open chapters in states that are not currently served.

To help, donate or learn more about the Veterans Support Organization, please log on to www.veteranssupportorganization.org or contact Bill Mock directly at 912.704.5523 or by email at bmock@veteranssupportga.org

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Walmart Gives $1.1 Million to Support Military Families and Honor Fallen Heroes This Holiday Season

/PRNewswire/ -- Walmart gives an early Christmas to more than 10,000 military children and families who will receive free toys, books, Walmart gift cards and gift packages. Through a $1.1 million donation from Walmart, the initiative will benefit families in all branches of the military. The company will also lay 16,000 wreaths at national cemeteries across the United States to honor fallen veterans.

Representatives from Operation Homefront and Wreaths Across America joined Walmart in Fort Bragg, N.C. today to launch the program, part of "Walmart Gives Back," a holiday giving initiative focused on hunger relief and support for military families.

"Walmart has a history of supporting our troops. This holiday season, we recognize the sacrifices of our deployed servicemen and women - and their families back at home," said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. "We know that many military families have a tough time during the holidays. They miss their loved ones who are away, and we hope that our efforts will make their holiday easier and better."

More than 300 associates from Walmart and Sam's Club locations nationwide will help organize toys and assist participants at each event.

Supporting Military Families

Spouses of deployed military personnel will shop for free today at Operation Homefront toy shops near Fort Hood and Fort Bliss in Texas; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Campbell, Ky.; Fort Stewart, Ga.; and Camp Pendleton, Calif. - markets that top the Pentagon's list of cities with the highest troop deployment. With toys and books donated from Walmart, the shops will serve more than 3,000 military moms and dads with 10,000 military children, combined.

"This has been an especially difficult year for our military families and their children. They're not only dealing with deployments but also the economic recession," said Operation Homefront chief executive officer, Jim Knotts. "Through the generosity of Walmart, these donated toys and books will allow the military families to provide a happy holiday for their children while using their limited resources on the vital basic needs."

In addition, Walmart gift cards will be given to more than 1,500 military families in 30 cities and 1,000 gift packages will be given to the caregivers of wounded military - all made possible through Walmart's donation to Operation Homefront.

Honoring our Nation's Veterans

Walmart's military support this holiday season will also help Wreaths Across America purchase, transport and lay 16,000 wreaths at national cemeteries and memorial sites across the United States, including "a mile of memories'' wreath display at Battery Park to honor 9/11 victims and veterans from the New York area, Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Ark. and the site of the Flight 93 crash in Shanksville, Penn.

"Our mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom," said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. "This is the second year that Walmart has generously donated wreaths, trucks, and resources - and we are proud to work with Walmart to show our gratitude to those who served and sacrificed."

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page