Walmart is teaming up with the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) to launch a statewide outreach effort to educate the public on ways to stay safe when using ride-hailing services.

Announced Nov. 14 at the PBA’s board of delegates meeting in Atlantic City, the partnership will provide the resources and reach to kick off a statewide effort to support the work of the #WhatsMyName Foundation, a nonprofit that seeks to educate people about how to safely interact with ride-hailing services and how to spot danger.

The organization was founded by the family of Robbinsville native Samantha Josephson, who was kidnapped and murdered in March 2019 near the University of South Carolina by an individual impersonating an Uber driver. The foundation’s biggest message involves reminding passengers to always confirm that their driver is legitimate by asking “What’s my name?” before entering the vehicle.

As part of the collaboration, funding from big box retailer Walmart will be used to print large quantities of educational signage, which will then be distributed and posted by PBA members at bars, restaurants and other places where ride-hailing services are frequently used.

Seymour Josephson, Samantha’s father and president of the foundation, said #WhatsMyName “is excited and honored” to work with the state PBA and Walmart, adding the collaboration “will help bring awareness and education to those consumers who use rideshare vehicles.”

Pat Colligan, president of the New Jersey State PBA, commented, “New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association is proud to partner with Walmart and #WHATSMYNAME Foundation. Our members protect and serve every day, and this will be an extension of that mission. We are honored to help prevent another similar tragedy in memory of Samantha Josephson.”

Jennifer Hoehn, Walmart’s director of public affairs, added, “Walmart’s approximately 2.1 million associates – including 24,365 here in New Jersey – live and work in local communities and we aim to help strengthen and support our resilient communities. This program not only speaks to that commitment, but to the power of supporting groups like the PBA and families like the Josephsons who are truly helping to make a difference.”

Walmart did not say how much it donated to the effort but noted it is part of the Bentonville, Ark.-headquartered retailer’s ongoing philanthropic efforts in New Jersey. In fiscal year 2023, the company – which has 70 stores in New Jersey – contributed more than $9.4 million in cash and in-kind contributions to local nonprofits around the state.