The Wal-Mart Distribution Center employees took some time off from working Tuesday to give a little back to the community.

While giving back is nothing new to the Brundidge-based corporation, the way it did it Tuesday was.

“This is the first time we’ve given this much,” said Danny Ward, general manager.

“Normally we give money at different times as it comes it. But, since we’ve never given away this much we wanted to do something special.”

So, in celebration of the $19,500 given to 19 local schools and organizations, the DC gathered community members and employees for the event.

“This wouldn’t be possible without you associates,” Ward said.

“You should feel very proud. It’s important to give back to our community.”

Ward said the funds were dispersed in two categories — one for organizations based on application and the other on volunteer time donated by the DC employees.

“Organizations let us know if they have an activity, and if it’s a qualifying organization (our employees participate),” Ward said.

In turn, the distribution center will match for organizations after employees volunteer a certain amount of time to their service.

“Our associates are always responsive to volunteer programs, which qualifies the (organizations) for higher donations,” he said.

One such organization is the Pike County Habitat for Humanity, which received a $2,000 donation. Another is the American Cancer Society and the Outdoors Without Limits, both of which earned $3,000 each.

Others granted money by the Wal-Mart DC were: Carroll High School, Alabama Cooperative Extension, Pike County Schools, Zion Chapel High School, Pike Liberal Arts School, Hillcrest Elementary, Pioneer Museum of Alabama, Pike Regional Child Advocacy Center, Wicksburg High School, Enterprise Ozark Community College, Charles Henderson High School, East Central Mental Health, Goshen Elementary School, the Boys and Girls Club of Hawk-Houston, Troy Elementary School and Salvation Army. ard said money will be donated to a different group of organizations later in the year.