Walmart and Partners Make Powerful $750K Commitment to Tornado-Affected Communities

Walmart Inc., Sam’s Club, and the Walmart Foundation are working to support tornado-impacted communities in Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri by committing $750,000 to support relief efforts across the impacted areas.

Per AccuWeather, the tornado that struck St. Louis on May 16, 2025, was an EF-3, with winds up to 152 mph. It barreled through the city at 55 mph, at times stretching a mile wide.

In a press release, the company announced its partnership with local organizations to support states affected by severe storms that damaged thousands of homes and left many without power. In the wake of devastating storms, especially in St. Louis, Missouri, and London and Somerset, Kentucky, Walmart and Sam’s Club have been collaborating with nonprofit organizations to deliver essential resources to community members.

John Furner, president and CEO of the retail giant, stated, “We’re thinking of our friends and neighbors in Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri who were impacted by the devastating storms and tornadoes Friday night. The loss of life and the damage to these communities is heartbreaking. Our teams are working closely with local leaders and first responders, and we’re actively coordinating efforts across Walmart to provide support where it’s needed most.”

Walmart and its partners are committed to assisting communities in need in many differeall nt ways. Some of these ongoing efforts include:

• St. Louis: Walmart partnered with Annie Malone Children & Family Services to deliver two truckloads of essential supplies to local residents in need.
• London, Kentucky: At the Walmart Supercenter (Store #1113), free hot meals are being served thanks to Operation BBQ Relief. In addition, mobile laundry services from Tide Loads of Hope and shower facilities — provided by Matthew 25: Ministries, Procter & Gamble, and Walmart — are being made available in the area.
• Across affected regions: In response to widespread power outages and displacement, Walmart and Sam’s Club have teamed up with ITDRC to offer free Wi-Fi access and charging stations to support impacted communities.

“Our thoughts are with our associates, our members, and the families who have been impacted by the tornadoes in the communities Sam’s Club calls home,” said Chris Nicholas, president and CEO of Sam’s Club. “We are moving quickly to provide the support these communities need as they recover from the severe weather.”

Walmart’s Strong Customer Commitment

Walmart has long been committed to supporting communities in need, with a focused effort on helping those impacted by natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes, and other emergencies. The company has a webpage dedicated exclusively to disaster preparedness and response. It shares the corporation’s dedication to utilizing its strengths to make the biggest impact when disaster strikes.

These elements work together to build resilience and meet critical needs after disasters for in-need communities. In the past, the retail giant has mobilized truckloads of food, water, hygiene products, and other necessities to disaster zones. It also does its best to open its stores quickly to provide critical goods and services to in-need consumers. In some instances, Walmart stores have served as temporary relief hubs or community distribution centers.

The corporation and its partners have donated millions of dollars for disaster relief efforts. Additionally, it works with organizations such as the American Red Cross, Feeding America, Team Rubicon, and the Salvation Army.