Island Harvest Receives $15,000 for Post-Sandy Disaster Recovery

Mineola-based non-profit Island Harvest received $15,000 from the Walmart Foundation recently as part of the retailer’s “12 Days of Giving” holiday campaign.

The Arkansas-based retailer awarded $150,000 to 10 nonprofits that are helping individuals and families get back on their feet after natural disasters on the eighth day of its campaign.

 After Hurricane Sandy, Island Harvest visited hard hit neighborhoods of Long Island and delivered food and supplies.

The purpose of the 12-day campaign by Walmart is to award a total of $1.5 million to 140 organizations across the country that are providing basic needs and services such as food, shelter, clothing and medical care. Organizations receiving grants as part of the $150,000 total serve communities in Arkansas, California, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota and Virginia.

“While natural disasters capture headlines and national attention short-term, the work of recovery and rebuilding is long-term,” said Sylvia Mathews Burwell, president of the Walmart Foundation. “With these grants, we want to help brighten the holidays for those communities who are still working to rebuild.”

Walmart’s November call for submissions resulted in more than 21,677 nominations from Facebook users who submitted descriptions of each nonprofit’s impact in its local community. Submissions were initially reviewed by Walmart associates from across the company and then a panel from the Walmart Foundation selected the winning organizations.