A very important aspect of the Sam’s Club business is giving back to the local communities where we live and work alongside our members.

Through fundraising, volunteering and providing cash donations, more than 90 percent of giving through the Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club Foundation targets the communities of our associates and members. In 2007, more than $296 million in cash donations was given to more than 100,000 organizations in more than 4,000 communities.

In addition, our members and associates provided an additional $106 million in individual contributions through company-sponsored fundraisers, and our associates volunteered more than 800,000 hours to community organizations.

One of our biggest focuses is education and supporting our local students. In fact, $67 million went to support this cause. Recently, we provided $7.2 million in community scholarships to 7,200 students who are trying to reach their dream of a higher education.

The foundation also recognized more than 4,000 teachers across the nation in the 12th annual Teacher of the Year program which provided more than $5 million to schools in communities where we have a presence.

Our associates are committed to serving others, on the job and in the community – it’s part of our culture. Together, we are helping improve the quality of life in the communities where we live.

This article was submitted by Sam’s Club.