Walmart and Sam’s Club raise $487,000 for University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital

University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital leads the nation in Children’s Miracle Network fundraising this year thanks to Walmart and Sam’s Club. Following a challenging year in 2020, local area Walmart and Sam’s Club locations rallied together to support University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.

Despite the national campaign being down 7%, or $3 million, locations in the Cedar Rapids market came together to raise nearly $500,000 – beating the prior year by over $100,000 or 29% in just four weeks.  Using a combination of round-up at the register, asking at the door, interactive selfie stations, employee barbecues, and contests with management, among many other creative approaches, store associates raised funds for children and families by asking customers and leading with their enthusiasm and dedication.

“This is amazing, and I am so proud of each and every Walmart associate,” said Andrea Chambers, assistant director of development at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement. “I can’t thank you enough for all the encouragement and excitement you brought to this campaign and the impact it will have on our patients and families at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.”

In Iowa, Walmart associates from location 810 in Mason City, 1723 in Des Moines, and 3630 in Marion led nearly 80 stores across several states as top fundraisers, raising almost $50,000 collectively. University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital will host a ‘Walmart Superstar Luncheon’ in Iowa City later this year to celebrate with top fundraising stores.

Sam’s Club locations in the Cedar Rapids market also beat 2020 raising nearly $50,000, beating the previous year by over 25%.

Also, in Iowa, Sam’s Club associates from location 6979 in Ankeny, 8162 in Cedar Rapids, and 4973 in Dubuque led the market as top fundraisers this year. While the official Children’s Miracle Network campaign ended at the beginning of August, locations can continue raising funds to support children and families through donation activities in stores.

The top three fundraising locations are the following:

1. Mason City, $17,832
2. Des Moines, $16,539
3. Marion, $14,580

We want to give a special shout out to the following Walmarts with the highest “Year Over Year” increases:

1. Centerville
2. Indianola
3. Maquoketa

Thank you to all those who donated at your local Walmart or Sam’s Club during the CMN Campaign! You are changing lives and changing the future.