3.12.2008 - 02:15pm ET

(CSRwire) RADCLIFF, KY - March 12, 2008 - USA Cares, a world-wide non-profit 501(c) 3 organization, distributes pre-paid Wal-Mart cards on an emergency basis to assist the families of deployed Military Personnel who are experiencing difficulty as the result of a loved one's service. "The people who we supply these cards to are in immediate need of things for the family like food, fuel to get to medical appointments, work, their unit or other essentials," said Cecilia Jeffery, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator with USA Cares. "Wiring of these cards to a store near the family allows us to respond quicker than any other mechanism we have ever used" concluding that "the availability of Wal-Mart stores and the broad line of products they have available can handle a host of situations."

Jeff Wilson, Manager of the Wal-Mart Supercenter (#1165) in Radcliff, KY commented, "Wal-Mart has always encouraged good citizenship and helping USA Cares assist the families of overseas service members is certainly a worthwhile effort." The assistance, however, is not always easy. According to Wilson, "some store managers in certain parts of the country have experienced fraudulent activities with pre-paid cards so we had to develop a protocol to assure them we know who USA Cares is and the transaction is indeed legitimate."

For over five years USA Cares has been a leader in support for Military Families and provides a full-time call center where those who are left behind can reach out for knowledgeable advice, meaningful direction and financial support with a caring attitude. All requests are verified to determine the legitimacy of the need. Once a favorable determination is made, any funds paid out are to a service provider and not directly to the family with the Wal-Mart cards being the only notable exception.

Active duty or mobilized Service Members of all ranks and branches (including Guard and Reserve) or family members are welcome to contact the USA Cares call center at 800.773.0387 or by visiting www.usacares.org. Family Resource Coordinators competent in English, Spanish or German are available and willing to assist in any way possible once the required information is provided. The family’s information is always held in confidence.

About USA Cares

USA Cares is a non-profit organization recognized by the IRS as tax exempt under the provisions of IRS Section 501 c (3). It is chartered to serve military Service Members of all ranks and branches and their families with direction and advice along with grant assistance for quality of life needs caused by military service or mission. Continuing into their fifth year of noteworthy accomplishments, USA Cares has received requests from thousands of Service Members and families with millions of dollars in organizational and found resources provided. In partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation, USA Cares has also saved hundreds of military homes from foreclosure across the Nation. Funding for the organization is provided through the generous contributions of corporations, organizations and individuals. USA Cares continues to operate at greater than 90 percent ratio of contributed mission dollars. For more information on USA Cares contact us at jrevell@usacares.org and visit www.usacares.org.

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