Walmart Continues to Brighten the Holidays for Families at LifeTown Columbus

Walmart is continuing its long-standing commitment to families in central Ohio through its ongoing partnership with LifeTown Columbus, helping ensure children with special needs can fully experience the joy of the holiday season. Each year, LifeTown hosts a special holiday gift shop that allows children from some of the area’s most economically challenged communities to select free gifts for their loved ones—promoting dignity, inclusion, and the joy of giving.

“Walmart is proud of our long-standing relationship with LifeTown and the incredible work they do to support children with special needs and their families,” said Jeff Stone, Community Relations Director for Walmart. “Our associates have volunteered alongside LifeTown for years, and we remain deeply committed to strengthening the communities we serve.”

At the LifeTown Holiday Gift Shop, children are empowered to choose meaningful gifts for parents, siblings, and caregivers—often their only opportunity to take part in holiday gift-giving. For families, the experience goes beyond presents, helping build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.

“Many children with special needs, especially those from economically challenged families, miss out on the simple joy of giving during the holidays,” Stone said. “LifeTown’s Holiday Gift Shop ensures every child can experience that joy in a way that’s inclusive, empowering, and filled with dignity.”

This year, Walmart expanded its support by helping transform the experience into the ‘Walmart Holiday Gift Store.’ Through generous donations of hats, gloves, blankets, mugs, and other thoughtful items, Walmart is helping stock the shop with practical and meaningful gifts families can truly use. In addition, Walmart associates will volunteer onsite, assisting children as they select gifts and helping create a joyful and memorable holiday experience.

“Our associates are excited to be part of this special event,” Stone added. “By volunteering their time and donating these items, they’re helping create moments that truly matter for children and their families.”

Walmart also expressed appreciation for the broader community partnership that makes LifeTown possible.

“We’re honored to partner with Rabbi Kaltmann and his team at Chabad Columbus and are grateful for the important work they do to bring the LifeTown experience to life,” Stone said. “Together, we’re helping ensure every child can enjoy the magic of the holiday season.”