Emmette Thompson, executive director of Mission of Hope, is in the center holding the check. Walmart Store Manager Joe Russell is to his left and Walmart Market Manager Turner Thompson is to his right. Image courtesy of Mission of Hope.

KNOXVILLE - Mission of Hope today received a $30,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program to assist with its program that provides school supplies to more than 12,000 Appalachian children at 28 rural elementary schools in Appalachia.

“Many families in Appalachia do not have the means to provide their children with everything they need for a good education,” said Emmette Thompson, executive director of Mission of Hope. “This grant will allow us to give thousands of deserving students brand new backpacks and supplies.”

The Mission of Hope is a year-round ministry that assists its impoverished Appalachian neighbors with goods, resources and college scholarships, and helps with basic educational, health care and home repair needs. With the Walmart Foundation Grant, Mission of Hope will purchase backpacks, school supplies and hygiene items for 3,000 students.

“At the Walmart Foundation, we understand that organizations such as Mission of Hope are essential to building stronger communities. They share our values and are committed to helping young people to live better,” said Turner Thompson, Walmart market manager. “Through this donation, Appalachian-Area youth will have the supplies they need to learn and grow.”

The Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better, awarding grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.

To be considered for support, perspective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.

Over the last fiscal year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $35.7 million in cash and in-kind contributions to support nonprofit organizations and programs in Tennessee focused on fighting hunger and healthy eating, workforce development, disaster preparedness and other needs specific to many Tennessee communities. The Tennessee contributions are one piece of the $1.42 billion dollars total giving by Walmart and the Walmart Foundation during FY16.