10.15.2002 ET

(CSRwire) LOS ANGELES, California - The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) and other local representatives from area Hispanic organizations today applauded efforts by Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB for their continuing efforts toward economic growth and community involvement in the greater Los Angeles area. A delegation toured area stores and met with local store managers to discuss and learn first hand about Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB Good Works community involvement programs that focus on education, children and children's health, local economic development and diversity initiatives.

"We applaud Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.'s commitment in continuing to work with organizations such as the Latino Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, the USHCC, LULAC and the Alliance for Minority Education, among many others in Los Angeles and other communities in California," shared Candy Saenz, President of the South Bay Latino Chamber of Commerce. "Wal-Mart has supported Latino and other organizations for many years through jobs, volunteerism, training and community giving in -- not only Los Angeles, but in many cities across the nation."

Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB Good Works programs encompass a grassroots style of giving, enabling its associates to support and participate in their local community, thus improving the quality of life in local neighborhoods. A priority for Wal-Mart is to recognize the importance of community involvement, and to utilize this program as a means to effectively promote philanthropy among its associates.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates 10 Wal-Mart stores and 7 SAM'S CLUBS in Los Angeles County. In California alone last year, Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB associates raised and contributed more than $9 million to benefit local organizations such as the California League of Cities Latino Caucus, ESL programs, LULAC, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and many California Children's Hospitals -- many also located in the LA County area.

Last year Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB associates raised and contributed more than $196 million to support local communities and non-profit organizations. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the proud recipient of the 2002 Ron Brown Presidential Award, the highest award in the nation recognizing employee and community corporate leadership. FORTUNE magazine has named Wal-Mart the third "most admired" company in America and one of the 100 best companies to work for in the United States. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the nation's largest private employer of Hispanics and African Americans. More information about Wal-Mart can be located on-line at http://www.walmartstores.com and www.walmart.com. The SAM'S CLUB Web site can be accessed at http://www.samsclub.com . And more information about Wal-Mart's Good Works community involvement programs is available online at http://www.walmartfoundation.org .

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