Wal-Mart Opens the Doors with Generosity

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IMPD major Ceisielski, officer Stackman, and crime watch coordinator Donna Forbes received a check from  manager Joe Stephenson.

Photo by Linda Karn

(posted Jan 22)

The Lafayette Square Area Wal-Mart graced the community again with more donations on the eve of its January 23 grand opening. The corporate dedication spent more time celebrating its community ties and giving gifts than showcasing the store features within its 183,484 square foot store located at 46th Street and Lafayette Road.

Approximately 200 civic, corporate and government leaders watched as Wal-Mart gave out checks totaling to $37,000 to local schools and non-profits.

Ann Johnson of MOM Project/Healthy Families was already able to tout Wal-Mart's helping hand in the community. She said store manager Joe Stephenson provided 10 turkeys four days prior to Thanksgiving to help needy families. She said donations came in unexpectedly short while families had already been promised of services. Wal-Mart was able to close the gap to help the families that were promised food. Mom project provides services to expectant moms to three years after the birth. Mom Project received $3,000.

Wal-Mart senior manager of public affairs Jason Wetzel explained that Wall-Mart is committed to making the area a better place and the company recognizes that the other business are part of that turnaround. Wal-Mart will encourage shoppers to support the surrounding businesses. Wal-Mart will give $50,000 to the Lafayette Square Area Coalition, Hispanic Business Council, Indianapolis Black Chamber, Indianapolis Urban League, and National Association of Women Business Owners Indianapolis Chapter as part of JOZ (Jobs and Opportunity Zone).

Wetzel said each organization has its own plan to revitalize the area. Lafayette Square Area Coalition received $15,000. Part of the money will be used for the vision team to involve youth in defining their needs.

Wal-Mart strives for environmental sustainability, not only to reduce its fixed costs but to maintain low prices. Wetzel briefly commented the store is able to pass its energy savings onto the consumer in the form of lower prices.

Wal-Mart is the second largest user of electricity next to the federal government. He explained the store installed skylights to reduce electricity during the summer. The store also has motion activated lights that turn on when customers pass by the freezer section. The store's flooring is also made out of recycled products.

City County Councilor Cherrish Pryor said "Wal-Mart is exactly what we needed," referring to its corporate generosity to help other small businesses with the Jobs and Opportunity Zone to grow and prosper. Wal-Mart is also creating other economic opportunities as other businesses come into the area.