New Walmart Anticipates Opening, Gives Back $14,000 To Community

SPRINGFIELD–The night before their grand opening, the new Walmart in the Marple Crossroads Shopping Center in Springfield held a private reception for their employees and their families as well as key community members in and Springfield townships on Tuesday evening.

"I want to especially thank our employees for the blood, sweat and tears to make all this happen," said Anthony Deni, store manager. "As a team, we get it done."

Marple Commissioners Dan Leefson, John Longacre, Jan Ceton, John Lucas and Michael Molinaro, Marple Code Enforcement Officer Joe Romano as well as Director Deborah Parsons, a representative from the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, members of the Smedley D. Butler Marine Corps League Detachment #741, the Cradle of Liberty Council-Boy Scouts of America, the Springfield Cougar Ice Hockey Team and Upper Darby High School cheerleaders were all present during Tuesday's reception in support of the Walmart opening.

"We welcome Walmart to our community," said Molinaro, Marple commissioners president. "With your committment, this store is the anchor to this shopping center and has revitalized it. We're truly grateful for Walmart's wisdom of selecting this location. I shop primarily in Marple and starting tomorrow [Wednesday], I'll add Walmart to that list."

Deni also announced that Walmart has donated $14,000 to several community organizations in Marple and Springfield townships. Deni presented a check for $5,000 towards Marple Public Library; $5,000 to ; $2,336 to Marple Township; $764 to the Smedley D. Butler Marine Corps League Detachment #741; $500 to the Springfield Cougar Ice Hockey Team; and $500 to the Cradle of Liberty Council-Boy Scouts of America.

A grand opening ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 7 a.m. with doors officially opening to the public at 8 a.m.