AUBURN – The Auburn Exchange Club received $2,000 from the Auburn Wal-Mart to assist the Exchange Club’s Christmas Giving Program.

Cecil Wheeler, the Exchange Club’s Christmas Giving Program chairman, said 2003 was the 12th year that the club ran the program. To date the club has helped more than 310 families and 909 children.

Every child receives a new coat, hat, gloves, shirt, blanket and a toy from an Auburn Exchange Club member. In 2002 the club spent $5,500, offset by a donation of $2,000 from the Auburn Wal-Mart. The money helped 25 families and 77 children. Wheeler said the program assisted 86 children this year.

Susan Benson, Auburn Wal-Mart community involvement coordinator, said the local Wal-Mart donated $237,000 in 2002 to support nonprofit organizations. She added that the Auburn Wal-Mart through November 2003 contributed more than $160,000.