Wal-Mart donates to Care to Learn Fund

Wal-Mart representatives Carrie Thum McKnight, senior manager for public affairs and government relations, and Skip Tinney, Springfield market manager, presented a check at Jarrett Middle School to Doug Pitt, one of the fund’s founders.

Pitt and fellow Springfield businessman Jim D. Morris created the program with the Jolie-Pitt Foundation – established by Pitt’s brother, actor Brad Pitt, and actress Angelina Jolie – and an anonymous donor. The founders donate $3 for every $1 raised.

Wal-Mart’s donation has a one-to-one match – half of it has been matched already, and the community is challenged to raise the additional $25,000, according to a news release. The contribution, along with $50,000 already raised, puts the program on track to exceed its first-year $200,000 goal by $100,000, the release said.

The fund provides support for Springfield Public Schools students to meet basic needs in the areas of hunger, health and hygiene. Both Pitts are graduates of Springfield Public Schools.

The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools is responsible for managing and distributing the fund.