STUART — In two short days, Walmart patrons and volunteers collected 3,384 pounds of food for Treasure Coast Food Bank this month. And the Walmart volunteers fulfilled their goal of volunteering enough hours to earn a $5,000 donation for Treasure Coast Food Bank through Walmart’s Volunteerism Always Pays program.

      More than 50 volunteers helped gather donations at Walmarts in Martin and St. Lucie counties on Jan 20 and 21. And together, they contributed 276 hours, enabling them to submit their food drive for a $5,000 donation through Walmart’s Volunteerism Always Pays.

     “We’re just very fortunate to have all our leaders and several associates that came and volunteered on their own time,” said Walmart Distribution Center Operations Manager Julie Rush, who coordinated the event. “I’m thankful to be a part of that.”