"Change A Band, Change A Life"- Speidel Launches Charitable Giving Program Dedicated to Military Service Members, Wounded Warriors and Their Families

CRANSTON, R.I., Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Speidel, the world's number one recognized brand of watchbands and identification bracelets, announced today, just in time for Veteran's Day, the launch of the company's new charitable giving program, Change A Band, Change A Life™ (www.speidel.com), to recognize the tremendous contributions of the American men and women of the armed forces.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121108/NE08999) 

With the Change A Band, Change A Life™ program, Speidel strives to inspire consumers to "band together" in supporting, honoring and meeting the needs of current and former members of the U.S. military and their families, who have sacrificed so much while fighting tirelessly for our freedom.

Speidel has partnered with Operation Homefront, a prominent, national nonprofit that provides members of the American armed forces and their families with critically needed support, emergency assistance and financial aid.

"It is an honor for us to work with an organization as important as Operation Homefront and to give back to military service members and their families," said Lynn-Marie Cerce, co-owner of Speidel.

A portion of all proceeds of any Speidel product, which are available at high end jewelry stores and mass merchants across the United States, will go toward aiding Operation Homefront's patriotic cause. These products include the company's signature "Twist-O-Flex®" watchband, Speidel Identification Bracelets (Speidel ID's ®, My First ID®) and Medical Alert bracelets (Medilog®).

"Every time the consumer thinks about changing their watchband they will directly contribute to changing the lives of our military heroes and their families," said Gennaro Cerce, co-owner of Speidel. "This is a way for our company to say "thank you" to our troops for their service, sacrifice and unwavering dedication to our country."

Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers with nationwide presence. Since its inception in 2002 Operation Homefront has taken care of over 590,000 needs of military families while demonstrating a deep commitment to its mission, returning to its programs 94 percent of the contributions it receives. These efforts have earned the organization Charity Navigator's highest possible rating of 4 stars for five years in a row.

"In today's challenging times, our service members, wounded warriors, and their families need support more than ever," said Jim Knotts, President and CEO of Operation Homefront. "We at Operation Homefront are grateful for the commitment and support of partners like Speidel. It is because of generous donations like theirs that our heroes know that someone is looking out for them and their families."

In addition, and to further mark the start of the Change A Band, Change A Life™ program, Speidel will make a donation of 5,000 watchbands to Soldier's Angels, a volunteer-led nonprofit providing aid and comfort to the servicemen and women of the U.S. Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, veterans and their families.

Founded in 2003 by the mother of two American soldiers, Soldier's Angels has hundreds of thousands of Angel volunteers that assist veterans, wounded and deployed personnel and their families in a variety of ways. The group will ensure that all of the products donated by Speidel are delivered to dedicated servicemen and women.

About Speidel
Since 1904, vintage American brand Speidel (www.speidel.com) has been renowned for its innovative designs, operational excellence, and passion for customer service. The #1 recognized brand in the world of watchbands and identification bracelets, Speidel offers a variety of products including the company's signature "Twist-O-Flex®" watchband, Speidel Identification Bracelets (Speidel ID's®, My First ID®) and Medical Alert bracelets (Medilog®), as well as beautifully crafted traditional and contemporary timepieces. Speidel can be found at both exclusive independent jewelers and well known mass retailers across the U.S., as well as at www.Speidel.com, on Facebook and Twitter at #SpeidelSalutes.  

Contact:
Erin Vadala, Vice President
Warner Communications
978.468.3076; [email protected]

SOURCE Speidel