Upper Hanover Wal Mart Contributes to Local Fire Companies

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E. Greenville Wal Mart Gives Back to the Community

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Town and Country newspaper (Published 10/11/07 Edition; Volume 108, No. 45)

By Sergei Blair-Town and Country Correspondent

Ever since its long-anticipated grand opening last year, the Wal Mart on Main Street in New Hanover Shopping Center in East Grenville simply can’t stop giving back to the local community.  

Last Wednesday, October 10, Wal Mart store manager Greg McDermott presented a check for $5,000 to five fire chiefs from local fire companies in Pennsburg, Red Hill, East Greenville, Green Lane, and Hereford.  

“Hopefully this community will benefit [financially] by allowing fire companies to better prepare themselves for emergencies and purchase equipment that maybe they did not have the means to do,” said McDermott.

Because last week was the Fire Prevention Week, McDermott said it was an appropriate time to raise the awareness in the community of what the firefighters have to experience each time there’s an emergency.     

“It’s our obligation to be a part of the community and do whatever we can to help the fire companies to support their activities,” he said.

The Wal Mart annual giveaway is a part of the extended Good Works program which takes place in every store and every community around the country. According to its mission statement on its website, Wal Mart says it strives “to improve quality of life for its associates, customers and communities through means of financial contributions and volunteerism.”  

In 2002, Forbes Magazine proclaimed Wal Mart as being one of the most philanthropic companies in America.

According to McDermott, East Greenville Wal Mart has given away almost $45, 000 to date since it’s opening last year. The store has donated $22, 700 in its first year alone.  

“We appreciate whatever they give us,” said Scott Seip, Chief of Pennsburg Fire Company. “We will definitely put it to a good use,” he added. Chief Seip said the money will be put into a fund for the purchase of a new rescue truck and other much needed equipment.

“Not only are we planning to continue giving away, but as our business grows we hope to be able to increase our giving year to year,” said McDermott.