Annual Walmart and Sam’s Club Campaign benefiting local kids kicks off Monday

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ (CMN) long-time partner, Walmart/Sam’s Club, is poised and ready for the annual CMN in-store campaign. Beginning Monday, June 28, associates will encourage customers to #HelpKidsLiveBetter by donating at the register, at self-checkout or online. All funds raised will stay local to benefit kids treated at UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

“Since pandemic restrictions have been lifted, we can’t wait to see what local stores do during this year’s campaign,” CMN at UC Davis program director Michelle Tafoya said. “During COVID, teams raised significant funds but had to pare back some of their efforts. This year, look out! Our Walmart and Sam’s Club associates are some of the most creative and dedicated people out there, so it will no doubt be a fun, high-energy campaign.”

UC Davis Children’s Hospital leadership, including nurse managers who are on the front lines of pediatric care, will make the rounds as they did last year, meeting with associates to share pediatric patient stories and the impact of dollars raised on patient care. This “appreciation tour” is one way to let the stores know how valuable their contributions really are.

“As the only local CMN Hospital, it’s critical that UC Davis Children’s Hospital continues to provide the highest quality of care to our patients,” said Patient Care Services executive director Judie Boehmer. “Thanks to our partners and our community, we’ve been able to provide the care kids need, even during COVID-19. We are profoundly grateful to Walmart and Sam’s Club for their unwavering support and commitment to local kids through their dedication to CMN.”

The CMN campaign at Walmart and Sam’s Club runs through July 25. All funds raised stay local to support research, education, programs and clinical care at UC Davis Children’s Hospital.