Sandra Whittenberg, Chairman

Sun Lakes VFW Post 8053 wishes to thank Wal-Mart Super Center No. 2671 in Chandler and Manager Joe Liquori for their outstanding contribution to the cause of U.S. Veterans and their families living in our community!

Their store allows VFW Post and Auxiliary to solicit “Buddy” Poppy donations at booths set up outside their businesses during each annual poppy drive. VFW Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled, needy and aging veterans in VA Hospitals and VFW homes across the country. The majority of proceeds derived from each sale conducted by VFW Posts and their Auxiliaries is retained locally to provide for veteran services and welfare. The money VFW units pay for the poppies provides direct compensation to the veterans who assembled the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs, and partially supports the VFW National Home for orphans and widows of our nation’s veterans. Buddy Poppy proceeds represent no profit to any local VFW Post. All of the money contributed by the public for Buddy Poppies is used in the cause of veterans’ welfare, or for the well-being of their needy dependents and the orphans of veterans.

In addition, for the past two years, VFW Post 8053 has worked closely with Manager Liquori in applying for and receiving a Wal-Mart Community Grant each year. Wal-Mart believes in operating globally and giving back locally – creating impact in the neighborhoods where we live and work. Through the Community Grant Program, Wal-Mart associates are proud to support the needs of their communities by providing grants to local organizations. Awarded grants range from $250 to $2,500. Organizations applying must meet one of the following criteria:

1. An organization holding a current tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3), (4), (6) or (19) of the Internal Revenue Code;

2. A recognized government entity: state, county, or city agency, including law enforcement or fire departments, that are requesting funds exclusively for public purposes;

3. A K-12 public or private school, charter school, community/junior college, state/private college or university; or

4. A church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large.

All organizations must verify that they meet the eligibility requirements. This may require submitting a support ticket through Cybergrants. Applications must be completed in full and submitted online to be considered. Submitting an online application does not guarantee funding. The facility manager and the grant administrator reserve the right to adjust the amount awarded to each organization without prior notice.

Globally, Wal-Mart and the Wal-Mart Foundation gave $1.4 billion in cash and in-kind contributions during fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2015; and did it one grant and one community at a time.

VFW Post 8053 and Auxiliary offer sincere appreciation to the employees of Wal-Mart No. 2671, to Manager Joe Liquori, and the Wal-Mart Foundation for their help in meeting the needs of veterans and their families in our area!