BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On the fifth day of its "12 Days of Giving" holiday campaign, Walmart is awarding $120,000 to 14 nonprofits that are creating a better future for children across the country. One of the winning organizations, Para Los Ninos, serves its community by providing high-quality education integrated with family support, mental health services and community engagement opportunities to thousands of children living in at-risk neighborhoods in Los Angeles County.

Over twelve consecutive days, Walmart will award a total of $1.5 million to 140 organizations across the country that are providing basic needs and services such as food, shelter, clothing and medical care. Organizations receiving grants today are featured on Walmart's Live Better tab on Facebook. The organizations serve communities in: Vermont, California, Texas, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Georgia and Pennsylvania.

"Building a better tomorrow starts with our children, yet 22 percent of kids in the U.S. live in poverty," said Sylvia Mathews Burwell, president of the Walmart Foundation. "Through education, nourishment, mentorship, clothing and shelter, the organizations honored today are helping children community by community achieve a brighter future. We're honored to help support their mission with grants this holiday season."

Walmart's November call for submissions resulted in more than 21,677 nominations from Facebook users who submitted descriptions of each nonprofit's impact in its local community. Submissions were initially reviewed by Walmart associates from across the company and then a panel from the Walmart Foundation selected the winning organizations.

The organizations being spotlighted today for "Building a Better Future" include:

About Philanthropy at Walmart 
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Sustainability, Workforce Opportunity and Women's Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. To date, Walmart has donated more than 1 billion pounds of food to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart's giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.

SOURCE Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.