The St. Joseph Ministries received an early holiday gift from the associates and customers of the Leitchfield Wal-Mart last Friday, Dec. 20, when Wal-Mart Manager Rick Rutledge presented Sister Audrey Recktenwald with a check in the amount of $2050.

The money was raised through the "Wal-Mart Good Works Holiday Program.'

On Dec. 7, Wal-Mart stores nationwide held a promotion to donate a percentage of the store's sales to charities in their local communities.

This marks the 12th holiday season that Wal-Mart stores are assisting charities.

This year, Leitchfield store associates selected the St. Joseph Ministries as the beneficiary of their annual holiday fundraiser because of the positive impact the organization has on the community.

Sister Audrey said the funds would be used in a variety of services offered by the ministry program.

'This is the season of giving and, thanks to the support of our customers, we are proud to give financial support to continue the great work they do in our community," said Rutledge.

"This program is just another way that our associates are able to give back to the communities in which we live," Rutledge said.