Companies That Walk the Philanthropic Walk

"Wal-Mart strives to impact lives and strengthen communities we serve," Thompson says. "Our global reach and scale allows us to contribute substantially in the U.S. In 2013, Wal-Mart donated over $40 million (cash and in-kind gifts) to charities in Indiana, including over 22 million pounds of food."

I also work closely with John A. Elliott, manager of public affairs and media spokesman for the Kroger Co. in Indiana and its Central Division. Elliott and Jeff Burt, president of the Central Division of the Kroger Co., are also strong supporters of The Salvation Army along with many other charities. I asked Elliott about Kroger's community engagement philosophy.

Some of his key points were as follows:

• Expectation for each Kroger store to serve its local community in the best way possible
• Focus on customer service and community service that are inseparable
• Demonstrate leadership by taking the role of corporate citizen very seriously
• Follow Barney Kroger's culture of serving people

Elliott works closely with me and always thinks about ways to enhance our partnership. Beyond traditional gifts such as cash and in-kind donations to The Salvation Army, both Wal-Mart and Kroger allow Salvation Army bell ringers to ring for at least six weeks each year at their store locations. In Central Indiana alone, that amounts to more than $1 million raised in coins that helps thousands of people who need assistance. I cannot thank Kevin, John and Jeff and their companies enough for caring.

In this season of giving, we are blessed to have such corporate friends. Never take for granted any amount of corporate support. It is needed and much appreciated.

Congratulations and happy holidays to all the Kroger employees for being on the most corporate generous list and to Wal-Mart employees for being on the largest corporate donor list! Both companies continue to walk the philanthropic walk, and I love to see them stroll!