Belk Inc. announced recently that its semi-annual Belk Charity Sale raised more than $4 million for hundreds of local charities, schools and nonprofit organizations located throughout the company’s 16-state market area.

“Belk is honored to be able to support and give back to its communities each season through the Charity Sale,” said Tim Belk, chairman and CEO of Belk Inc. “We want to thank everyone who participated in the Charity Sale, especially during this difficult economic time. It was inspiring to see that donations resulted in more than $4 million to benefit nonprofit organizations throughout 16 states.”

In return for a $5 donation, customers received a ticket admitting them to the Charity Sale on Nov. 7 and entitling them to merchandise discounts ranging from 20 to 50 percent on Belk purchases. Customers also receive $5 off their first purchase of $5 or more at the event.

Participating local charities sold the Charity Sale tickets in advance of the event with proceeds from each $5 ticket sold retained by the charity.

Proceeds from tickets sold at Belk stores prior to and during the event were divided among the participating charities and schools in each location.

Based in Charlotte, N.C., Belk Inc. is the largest privately owned mainline department store company in the United States, with more than 300 stores in 16 southern states, including the one in Bainbridge at Bainbridge Mall.

Belk’s next Charity Sale is slated for Saturday, May 1.