Jasmine Ellwood is a local teen who is battling a serious illness. She’s the daughter of Hermiston police officer Mike Ellwood.
The Walmart Heart Program exists to lift the spirits of people like Jasmine with chronic medical conditions or special needs. It was the brainstorm of four Walmart truck drivers who in 2006 heard the story of how a store manager and a driver had gone above and beyond to help a local mom and her sick son. The drivers wanted a way to make a positive impact on the communities they serve.
Jasmine and her family are experiencing that impact firsthand as Walmart Heart drivers from the Hermiston and Grandview, Wash. facilities are organizing the last of two non-profit fundraising events to support and honor them. The entire community is encouraged to participate.
The hamburger and hotdog cookout fundraiser takes place this Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Walmart Garden Center parking lot in Hermiston.
Jasmine and her family will leave the Walmart distribution center at 9:30 a.m. headed to the store, with a convoy of about six Walmart trucks and a police escort. At 10 a.m., a chaplain will open the event in prayer, followed by statements from Mayor Dave Drotzmann, Jasmine and her family, and other community members. Shortly thereafter, Walmart Heart drivers will present Jasmine and her sister, Alysha, who has been a tremendous support to Jasmine, with Walmart Heart keepsakes, reminding them that they have community support throughout this process.
