Melissa McTee, mmctee@tylerpaper.com

Multiple Tyler and Longview Walmart and Sam’s Club locations participated in a seven-week campaign, collecting more than $168,000.00 on behalf of Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System. It was part of their national campaign for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which resulted in nearly $37 million for member hospitals across America.

Donations came in from Aug. 29 to Oct. 16, as Walmart and Sam’s Club associates at 24 Tyler and Longview-area locations. The stores held various fundraising activities and asked customers and members at the register to help kids live better lives.

“We are very grateful for the Walmart and Sam’s Club associates who work tirelessly to make miracles possible for the children we serve at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System,” said Robin Rowan, Christus Trinity Mother Frances Foundation Children’s Miracle Network Director in a press release.

“Walmart and Sam’s Club associates are some of our most passionate and valuable fundraisers,” said John Lauck, president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in a press release. “When an associate realizes the opportunity he or she has to save kids’ lives by simply inviting people to give $1 or more at the register, an incredible thing happens. Members and customers respond. We’re extremely grateful to the millions who contributed to this year’s campaign to help kids live better.”

The fall campaign is the most recent in annual fundraising by the retailers. Walmart and Sam’s Club associates have collected nearly $1 billion for sick and injured children since partnering with the charity in 1987. Funds raised through Walmart and Sam’s Club impact each of the 170 Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals, which treat one in 10 children across North America.

Hospitals utilize the funds based on what they need most – typically providing lifesaving equipment and research, supporting top therapy programs and providing charitable care.

For more information on Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, visit their website at www.CMNHospitals.org.