Kmart Encourages Shoppers to Spread the Holiday Spirit and Donate to the St. Jude Thanks and Giving® Campaign

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Nov. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Kmart is helping bring smiles to thousands of children this holiday season through its continued support of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Thanks and Giving campaign. For the fifth consecutive year, Kmart is encouraging its customers to "give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not," by providing the opportunity to make donations to St. Jude in store and online. All donations help St. Jude save the lives of children battling cancer and other catastrophic illnesses in communities across the country and around the world.  

"The holiday season is a special time when we are reminded of how fortunate we are to have our health," said Mark Snyder, chief marketing officer for Kmart. "Supporting the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign each year is something that is so important to our organization and we are lucky to have such loyal customers and associates that share that same sentiment. It is our goal to raise even more money this year so we can bring healthy and happy smiles to children across the country this holiday season."

St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and from around the world. Cameron, a five-year-old who suffers from sickle cell disease, was referred to St. Jude for treatment and now comes back for bi-annual check-ups at the hospital.

"Knowing that they [St. Jude] are always researching a cure for Cameron and other kids like him puts a love in my heart for St. Jude," said Erika, Cameron's mother. "My dream for him is to live a long and healthy life, and with St. Jude, I think that's possible. I really do."

Americans have the opportunity to donate to St. Jude now through Jan. 1 at Kmart stores nationwide and online at www.stjude.org/tgkmart. The iconic St. Jude Thanks and Giving magnifying glass will appear in all Kmart stores as a beacon of solidarity and a reminder to donate.

Earlier this year, St. Jude recognized Kmart as the "Corporate Partner of the Year" for its commitment to helping children live longer and healthier lives. Over the past four years, Kmart – with the help of its associates and customers – has raised nearly $17 million, making the retailer the leading fundraiser for the Thanks and Giving campaign.

"The tremendous support Kmart and its customers have brought to our patients and their families over the years is remarkable," said John Remington, senior vice president of Corporate Alliances, ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. "We couldn't be more excited to recognize Kmart as our Partner of the Year. Giving Kmart this recognition is just a small way of showing our gratitude and appreciation for their continuous support to the mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Every contribution they garner from their customers helps to bring so much hope to so many children facing catastrophic illnesses."

In 2009, Kmart raised more $6.9 million – more than any other partner in a single year – for the Thanks and Giving campaign. Moreover, the retailer continues to raise the bar, encouraging others to donate and help make the holiday season brighter for the children of St. Jude.

"Our support for this program extends beyond the walls of our stores," said Snyder. "In fact, many of our associates' children have become involved in fundraising efforts, as they realize what it means to help children just like them."

To donate or find out more information, visit www.kmart.com or www.stjude.org

About Kmart

Kmart, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq: SHLD), is a mass merchandising company that offers customers quality products through a portfolio of exclusive brands that include Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, County Living and Route 66. For more information visit the company's website at www.kmart.com or the Sears Holdings Corporation Web site at www.searsholdings.com.

About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. In 2010, St. Jude was ranked the most trusted charity in the nation in a public survey conducted by Harris Interactive, a highly respected international polling and research firm. St. Jude was also named the nation's top children's cancer hospital in the 2010-11 Best Children's Hospitals rankings published by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, go to www.stjude.org and follow St. Jude on www.facebook.com/stjude and www.twitter.com/stjude.

About Thanks and Giving 

The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® Thanks and Giving® campaign is an unprecedented union of celebrities, media, retail and corporate partners that asks consumers to "Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not." Thanks and Giving was created in 2004 by Marlo Thomas and her siblings Terre and Tony Thomas, children of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas. Funds raised by the campaign support the lifesaving work of St. Jude—to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. In the months of November and December, consumers nationwide are asked to shop with companies that display the Thanks and Giving magnifying glass and add a donation at the register or purchase specialty items that benefit St. Jude; donate online at www.stjude.org, where a complete list of fundraising partners is available; or call 1-800-4STJUDE. 

SOURCE Kmart