Walmart, Shoe Sensation donate to local National Guard units

Two local businesses participated in giveaways along with VFW Post 5443 and American Legion Post 66 in Kennett recently to donate to local National Guard units in Southeast Missouri.

“We give turkeys and hams to the 1137th MP Company and the 1221st Transportation Company,” said Kennett VFW and American Legion commander Phillip Greenway. “We’re also giving two bicycles to each one to try and make their Christmas a little bit better.”

Walmart of Kennett donated two shopping carts worth of hams and turkeys, along with children’s bicycles to be donated to the Kennett and Dexter National Guard units.

“We’ve been doing this for several years,” Greenway said, “Walmart has helped us, but we just want to help the soldiers out. If we don’t take care of our soldiers, who will? Some of these young soldiers can use a little help, and we want to show some appreciation to help them out this time of year.”

Kennett Walmart Store Manager Tonya Woodam said that the store has participated in the event for longer than she’s been here. She described that the store places an emphasis on supporting worthy causes, and that each year she hopes to continue doing good for veterans in the area.

Shortly after representatives from both units loaded their vehicles with the start of a Christmas dinner, they made their way to Shoe Sensation, which donated socks to the soldiers.

Shoe Sensation Market Sales Director Kim Smith explained that the store has happily undertaken the giveaway for several years now.

“We’re grateful for everything the veterans do for us, and we’re proud to do what we can for them,” said Shoe Sensation Market Sales Director Kim Smith.