12.27.2002 ET

(CSRwire) BENTONVILLE, AK, - 'Tis the season for giving, and Wal-Mart associates at 2,800 stores nationwide are presenting an early holiday gift to community non-profit organizations.

The company's 12th annual Wal-Mart Good. Works. Holiday Program, held from 7 a.m. to noon on Dec. 7, raised a record $6.3 million for local non-profit organizations. The company donates a percentage of net sales during this day to charitable organizations in communities where it has a presence. The holiday program donation has increased every year, thanks to the support of Wal-Mart customers across the country.

EDITOR'S NOTE: REFER TO THE LIST BELOW FOR GIVING BY STATE.

"Wal-Mart works year-round to enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve by supporting local charitable organizations and community projects that make a positive impact," said Tom Coughlin, President and CEO for Wal-Mart Stores and SAM'S CLUB USA. "What better time than the holidays to remember those in need."

Wal-Mart's tradition of holiday fundraising began in 1991 with the Wal-Mart Good. Works. Holiday Program. Last year's program resulted in contributions to local non-profit organizations totaling more than $5.4 million. The associates of each store selects the organization in their community which will be the beneficiary of their annual holiday fundraiser based on the positive impact the organization has in their community.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) operates more than 2,845 discount stores, Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets, and more than 520 SAM'S CLUBS in the United States. Last year Wal-Mart associates raised and contributed $196 million to support communities and local non-profit organizations. More information about Wal-Mart can be located on-line www.walmartstores.com and www.walmart.com . And more information about Wal-Mart's Good. Works. Community involvement is available online at www.walmartfoundation.org.

2002 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Wal-Mart Good. Works. Holiday Program Contributions by State

Alabama $163,200
Alaska $13,750
Arizona $119,100
Arkansas $140,600
California $372,350
Colorado $106,500
Connecticut $70,650
Delaware $16,800
Florida $383,100
Georgia $201,250
Hawaii $24,600
Idaho $31,700
Illinois $253,650
Indiana $186,100
Iowa $95,650
Kansas $99,500
Kentucky $145,500
Louisiana $162,900
Maine $57,150
Maryland $102,200
Massachusetts $105,100
Michigan $121,650
Minnesota $91,150
Mississippi $115,450
Missouri $231,100
Montana $25,650
Nebraska $43,250
Nevada $56,350
New Hampshire $78,400
New Jersey $82,500
New Mexico $58,950
New York $197,950
North Carolina $207,600
North Dakota $17,100
Ohio $218,200
Oklahoma $138,700
Oregon $54,250
Pennsylvania $259,850
Puerto Rico $23,600
Rhode Island $18,850
South Carolina $112,450
South Dakota $21,600
Tennessee $194,950
Texas $554,650
Utah $49,500
Vermont $10,750
Virginia $169,900
Washington $78,900
West Virginia $54,700
Wisconsin $144,800
Wyoming $20,400
Grand Total $6,302,350