Sam's Club Donates to Area Organizations

Sam's Club officials are committed to their stores and their employees being a part of the community and officials demonstrated that commitment by donating to area organizations Wednesday afternoon.

The donations were held as part of the Easley Sam's Club's grand opening events.

“We're excited to bring this here, to open up tomorrow,” said Easley Sam's Club Manager Brandon Cox. “Sam's Clubs have longstanding commitments to give back to the communities that we serve. Sam's Club, through their giving program, last year alone gave $106.4 million.”

Sam's Clubs in South Carolina gave back $20 million.

Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Hopkins said Sam's Club opening a store in Easley has been “long anticipated.”

“We originally met with Sam's Club probably in November of last year when they knew they were coming to town,” Hopkins said. “And from that moment on they were committed to the city, not only with the Chamber of Commerce, but all of our non-profits and our city.”

Hopkins said Sam's Club has already committed to invest about $70,000 in the city through various means.

“That's just incredible,” she said. “And that's just a testimony to what we've experienced from day one, back in November, from helping them prepare for the big day.”

Sam's Club donated a total of $13,000 to area organizations, including the Easley Fire Department, MARYS House, SHINE Soup Kitchen, the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, the Pickens Senior Center, the School District of Pickens County's Student Nutrition Service Program, the Butterfly Ministry for Girls, The Parenting Place, the Gettys Middle School Band Boosters, the Pickens County YMCA and the Gleaning House.

Sam's Club was a crucial part of this year's Relay for Life.

“We were very happy to be the presenting sponsor for Relay for Life,” Cox said. “That was a great opportunity for us.”

The store is also sponsoring Victory Lane at the Greenville-Pickens Speedway.

Sam's Club's Amanda Alexander presented the donations.

Following the check presentations, Sam's Club held a soft opening from 5-8pm

Sam's Club will hold its official grand opening at 8am Thursday, June 27.

“We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and we look forward to seeing you in the club,” Cox said.

Grand Opening events include appearances from some sports greats.

Legendary USC running back George Rodgers will meet fans and sign autographs from 11am – 1pm Saturday, June 29.

Former South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore will make a special appearance at the new store on June 30, from 1-3pm. It will be one of his final public appearances in South Carolina before he leaves next month for his first NFL training camp with the San Francisco 49ers.

The grand opening will also feature special grand opening prices and special demos and samples.

Cox said the community has been very welcoming.

“We've gotten nothing but good responses,” Cox said. “'We can't for you guys to open the door, when are you guys opening the doors.' It makes you feel good about opening the doors. From what I understand about the community, they wants us to here and we're happy to be here.”