Local Walmart, Sam’s Club stores raise almost $200,000 to support Niswonger Children’s Hospital

In just four weeks, local Walmart and Sam’s Club shoppers raised almost $200,000 to support the Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Hospital through Children’s Miracle Network, helping improve pediatric care across the Appalachian Highlands.

Eighteen local Walmart locations, two Sam’s Clubs and one distribution center participated in the campaign, which benefits Niswonger Children’s Hospital as the region’s Children’s Miracle Network Hospital affiliate. Each year, the campaign raises funds by inviting shoppers to round up their purchase at checkout in support of the region's only children's hospital. The money raised helps provide high-quality pediatric care to thousands of children throughout the Appalachian Highlands.

“Every year, this campaign puts a spotlight on the generosity of our community members,” said Jack Simpson, president of Ballad Health Foundation. “It shows just how much power we have when we all work together. Each shopper donated less than a dollar, and in just a month, it added up to almost $200,000 that will benefit any child who uses our facilities or services. Every person who donated during this campaign invested in our region’s future.”

Donations will continue to support projects and initiatives that improve access to high-quality pediatric care throughout the region. Previous fundraising efforts have helped advance capital building projects such as the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit expansion and the addition of a new neonatal emergency transport unit to serve the region. Donations also continue to support safety and injury prevention programming for families through the Children’s Resource Center.

“We are grateful for our partners at Walmart and Sam’s Club who help make this campaign a success every year,” said Chris Jett, CEO of the Niswonger Children’s Network, which includes Niswonger Children’s Hospital. “What I love most about this campaign is that it brings us all together for one cause. Not only do the shoppers make a difference with every donation, but we also couldn’t do this without the store associates who help inspire shoppers to give. Every dollar we’ve raised will change lives and invest in a stronger future for our region’s children.”

“We’re always willing to do our part to support the children and families in this region who rely on the Niswonger Children’s Hospital and the larger children’s network,” said Melissa Ownby, Walmart Market Manager. “We are extremely grateful to have high-quality children’s services available close to home, and we’re grateful to the loyal customers who choose to support local children with their donations.”

Walmart and Sam’s Club joined the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals fundraising family in 1987, with Walmart founder Sam Walton at the forefront of the partnership between the organizations. On a national scale, Walmart and Sam’s Club are nearing the $1 billion fundraising mark for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in the U.S. and Canada.

Donations to support Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Hospital can be made year-round to ensure the children of the Appalachian Highlands have access to the best possible facilities, equipment, programs and personnel to meet their healthcare needs. Learn more about regional pediatric services and make a donation to support the Niswonger Children’s Hospital and Niswonger Children’s Network.