(Seguin) — The Seguin Walmart store’s recent re grand opening event was more than just about celebrating the box store giant. It was also about recognizing not only its role in the community but its commitment to those who help make lives better for their customers and their families.
As part of opening its doors to its new $6 million renovation, Seguin Walmart on Friday presented big checks to several non-profit organizations.
Among those walking away with $700 was the Allan Dreibrodt Memorial Foundation. Dalena Krueger, who was on hand to accept the gift, says the group which supports area youth is thankful for Walmart’s continued support.
“It’s super exciting more to be able to help us support youth and agriculture in memory of my dad. We received a check from them as well last year. We just applied for the grant and then they accepted our application and it’s amazing in our small community that a corporate level will actually do that for us. It’s huge,” said Krueger.
Also presented with $500 was the Guadalupe County Youth Show. President Dustin Morgenroth says the support is just phenomenal.
“That’s the whole purpose. We are here to support the youth – the 4H and FFA students obviously so we couldn’t do it without companies like Walmart giving back to the community because that’s what it is all about for these kids because most of them use it towards their college or for their projects next year which projects are huge for the kids because it teaches them a lot of responsibility and accountability so it’s just a great program and we couldn’t do it without somebody like Walmart and other companies in the community that support us,” said Morgenroth.
Brothers in Arms Motorcycle Club members were also presented with a check for $300. Group President Jerry Ramirez says each of those dollars will go directly into their upcoming event.
“We are the Brothers in Arms Motorcycle Club. We are all veterans. One of the programs that we support is Wreaths Across America, so we are having our annual event Oct. 15. It’s called the Growler Run. We raise money for Wreaths Across America and Homes for Our Troops. This check is going right back to Wreaths Across America, so we are very grateful to the generous donors like Walmart and the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office that also donated to us. It allows us to support these programs that support our veterans, so it means a lot to us,” said Ramirez.
Store Manager Marcella Deluna says giving back is priority for her Walmart store.
“Our commitment is a huge huge undertaking. We give I would say as a company thousands of dollars a year. In Seguin, we have so many involved associates in our community. The few that we gave money today have been in the Seguin Walmart community probably 10,15, 20 years plus and when I got here, we started getting really heavy with the military and the veterans and our police department, fire department. They call and they need something, we are there for them. We call, they are there for us so it’s a great partnership,” said Deluna.
The Seguin High School Cheerleaders and band who were also hand to perform that morning of their celebration also walked away with $200. Special snack packages and coolers were also each presented to the Seguin Police Department, the Seguin Fire/EMS Department and the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office.
