/C O R R E C T I O N -- Sears Holdings Corporation/
In the news release, Sears Customers Say 'Thanks a Million' (and More) to Military Families, issued earlier today by Sears Holdings Corporation over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the third paragraph, second sentence, should read "has rai
Sears Customers Say 'Thanks a Million' (and More) to Military Families
Third fundraising effort nets $1.4 million for charitable program Heroes at Home(sm)
In a third fundraising effort to help improve the lives of military families across America, Sears customers and associates raised $1.4 million for Rebuilding Together, Inc. through Heroes at Home(sm), a Sears Holdings program created with the nation's leading volunteer home rehabilitation organization, Rebuilding Together. Through Heroes at Home, Sears Holdings helps make necessary repairs, improvements or modifications to the homes of military families facing hardship.
From May 22 through July 6, Sears customers participated in the fundraising initiative in three ways: by using their Sears Card, purchasing a Heroes at Home gift card, or by making donations in-store and online. Kmart customers were able to lend their support with the purchase of any Hershey's product, while Hershey's sweetened the gift with their own donation of $50,000 to put the total tally of the Heroes at Home program at $1.4 million.
"Sears Holdings is proud that our customers and associates have risen to the occasion and supported our Heroes at Home initiative, especially now when families are being challenged by a tough economic environment," said W. Bruce Johnson, interim CEO and President, Sears Holdings. "Over the last year, our Heroes at Home effort has raised more than $5 million for Rebuilding Together, helping hundreds of military families across America and continuing our support of the men and women who serve our country."
Christopher Joseph -- a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Army who served in Iraq and in his career has been decorated with the National Defense Service Award, Good Conduct Award, Medal of Achievement and Commendation of Long Island -- was the first of 70+ military families to benefit from the 2008 Memorial Day fundraising initiative. Through Heroes at Home and Rebuilding Together, Sgt. Joseph, his wife Barbara and daughter Zuwena, now live comfortably in their two-story house in Brentwood, NY, thanks to the new roof, bathroom modifications, window and door repairs, and heating system repairs that were provided at no cost to the family at a kick-off event on May 21.
To find out more about Heroes at Home or to refer a military family or veteran to the program, visit www.sears.com or call 1-800-473-4229. Sears Holdings' ongoing commitment to assisting troops and their families includes several recruiting and employment programs. The company offers a military pay differential to employees serving in the armed forces. Additionally, reservists who are employed full-time are allowed to continue participating in life insurance, medical and dental programs. If you make a cash donation to Heroes at Home 100% of your donation will benefit Rebuilding Together, a 501 (c) (3) organization. Your entire cash donation is eligible for tax deduction treatment for U.S. Federal tax purposes.
About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD) is the nation's fourth largest broadline retailer with over $50 billion in annual revenues and approximately 3,800 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, home electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has Martha Stewart Everyday products, which are offered exclusively in the U.S. by Kmart and in Canada by Sears Canada. The company is the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 13 million service calls made annually. For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at .
About Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together is the nation's largest nonprofit organization working to preserve homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing free home repair and modification services to those in need. With the help of everyday citizen volunteers, skilled trades people, the support of local business and major corporate partners, Rebuilding Together affiliates in America's largest cities and smallest towns make life considerably better for thousands of low-income homeowners. Beyond its core home repair work, Rebuilding Together also rehabilitates community centers and conducts home modification and repair programs that focus on aging in place. In addition, Rebuilding Together has programs dedicated to energy efficiency, veteran's housing, and disaster recovery and reconstruction. Rebuilding Together is currently celebrating 20 years as a national organization and the completion of over 100,000 homes thanks to the efforts of more than 200 affiliates nationwide. For more information, visit www.RebuildingTogether.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Taline Kundakji Euro RSCG Worldwide PR 212-367-6922 or Brenda Storch Sears Holdings 847-286-2897 / 224-735-9579 or Becky Carter Rebuilding Together 202-518-3500
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: Carolyn.Goldberg@eurorscg.com
SOURCE: Sears Holdings Corporation
CONTACT: Taline Kundakji of Euro RSCG Worldwide PR, +1-212-367-6922; or
Brenda Storch of Sears Holdings, +1-847-286-2897 or +1-224-735-9579; or Becky
Carter of Rebuilding Together, +1-202-518-3500
Web site: