Walmart Tacoma store manager has ‘full circle moment’ giving back to The Salvation Army during Christmas

When Walmart Tacoma Store Manager Mary Jensen heard about her company’s national partnership with The Salvation Army, she leaped at the chance to get her team involved. For her, it was deeply personal. When she was a young child, she remembers visiting The Salvation Army, filling out an Angel Tree wish list, then receiving toys at Christmas.

“I was so happy to think I would be getting gifts from Santa. My parents were addicts and we did not have much money. My family had to go to the food bank so we could eat,” Mary recounted. “They never made us feel like we were asking for help. It was very much like they were part of the family giving us gifts. I will be forever grateful for the help that my family and I received.”

When Steve Schrobilgen, SVP and Walmart Western U.S. Business Unit Leader, shared about The Salvation Army partnership, she was inspired by how much impact officers have on communities across the country.

During the busy 2024 holiday season, Mary has rallied her employees to coordinate numerous fundraisers benefiting The Salvation Army and encouraged her team to donate if they can. The Walmart Tacoma team has hosted dueling bell ringing among her nine managers, a Santa photo session, ornament decorating, cookie decorating, and a surprise visit from the Grinch to engage customers in fundraising for The Salvation Army. Each event has raised $500-$600. Within the Southwest Washington market, Walmart stores are competing to see which team can raise the most for The Salvation Army.

“With two children of my own now, I feel like it came back full circle for me,” said Mary. “It warms a place in my heart that you can help someone who needed help like I did. I believe no one should ever have to go without, whether it’s a gift at Christmas or clothes to go back to school.”

Mary encourages other Walmart managers to build relationships with local Salvation Army officers and staff year-round. She plans to build off the holiday engagement with food drives or clothing drives in the spring or summer.

“I know what it feels like to not open a gift on Christmas or have food. If I can help just one person, then hopefully once they are on their feet, they can pass it on,” said Mary.