Coastal Carolina University received a $9,500 donation from Myrtle Beach area Walmart stores during CCU's recent Back-to-School event at the Carolina Forest Walmart on Myrtle Ridge Drive.

Donations were collected from area Walmart stores, and the store managers presented a check to CCU President David A. DeCenzo in front of the Walmart location during the event. This contribution benefits the LiveWell health initiative at CCU.

The LiveWell Office is a resource for the campus community whose goal is to promote societal, community, relationship, and individual wellness, said Lee Carter, director of Wellness Outreach at CCU. The office provides campuswide wellness initiatives, educational events and presentations, the YouLiveWell well-being hub, internship opportunities, and services that promote well-being including nutrition consulting, biofeedback, and exercise consulting.

One of the most visible and impactful programs in the LiveWell Office is the peer educator program. There are three peer educator groups that focus on various forms of wellness and in these groups, students are trained to help educate other students about topics such as stress management, violence prevention, physical activity, and healthy behaviors.

Carter explained the Walmart grant has helped the LiveWell Office support the YouLiveWell website, which promotes well-being through a variety of resources around emotional, physical, social, and intellectual health, as well as a variety of peer educator activities and programs.

"We are very thankful for Walmart's support and look forward to continued partnership," said Carter.

The check presentation took place during an event featuring various vendors. Walmart shoppers, including many CCU students and family members, received free food and drinks. Staff from CCU handed out sports schedules and school supplies. The Chanticleer Regiment, members of the CCU cheerleading squad, and Chauncey, CCU's mascot, made an appearance to greet shoppers and assist in distributing CCU merchandise. Walmart staff wore teal and played the CCU fight song.

"Walmart is excited to donate to Coastal Carolina University's Live Well initiative again this year," said Michael Willard, store manager of the Myrtle Ridge Walmart. "We have enjoyed our partnership with CCU over the years and we are proud to support their growth and success."

CCU's Move-in Day is typically one of the busiest days of the year for the Myrtle Ridge Walmart location. Willard says the day historically rivals that location's Black Friday. CCU and Walmart have partnered for the event for the past 10 years.

For more information on LiveWell, visit coastal.edu/livewell.

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Twitter: @LiveWellCCU