Lands' End Makes a Million Dollar Difference for Schools

DODGEVILLE, Wis., Feb. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Students and school districts across the nation continue to face serious challenges.  According to a recent survey by the American Association of School Administrators, school budget cuts are noticeably more significant for 2010-11 than they were in 2008-09 or 2009-10.(1)  In 2010, Lands' End stepped up its support of schools with a pledge to donate $1 million.  The company today announced it has more than doubled its goal by donating more than $2.4 million to schools in 2010.  Lands' End is also renewing its commitment of at least $1 million in donations in 2011.

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"Much-needed funds at a time when budgets are especially tight can make a huge difference for students and schools," said Adam Weil, director of School Uniforms, Lands' End.  "Whether providing support for art and science programs or funding educational requests through DonorChoose.org, we know our donations helped positively impact students throughout the country.  We're pleased to help schools maintain the vital resources needed to provide students with the best education by continuing our million-dollar commitment."

A Legacy of Giving Back Adds Up To More Than A Million Dollar Difference

Since 1998, Lands' End has helped schools raise funds by giving up to 3 percent cash back on the net sales of school uniform purchases to Preferred Schools through its School Rewards program.  In addition to these funds, Lands' End utilized a variety of programs and initiatives to reach the $1 million dollar mark in 2010, including the Double the Difference sweepstakes, Way To Grow and the Every Tee Tells A Story contest.  

Lands' End also donated funds through Box Tops for Education and the Great Lakes Scrip Center fundraising program.  Schools earned eBoxTops from online purchases of Lands' End merchandise made through the Box Tops Marketplace.  With Scrip fundraising, schools receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of prepaid gift cards.  Preferred Schools that participate in the Lands' End School Rewards program will be receiving their checks in March.    

"Each school that benefited used the funds in unique ways," continued Weil.  "Throughout the year we heard from schools that funded scholarship programs for gifted students, developed outdoor classroom areas, supplemented teacher curriculum on healthy eating habits and purchased laptops or other technology equipment."  

School Support with DonorsChoose.org

As part of the Million Dollar Difference, Lands' End partnered with DonorsChoose.org to fund educational requests from teachers throughout the nation.  The company also hosted a "Fan Us to Donate" drive on Facebook during which $1 was donated to DonorsChoose.org for each new person that became a Fan of Lands' End.  In total, Lands' End donated $25,000 to DonorsChoose.org in 2010.  For more details on the DonorsChoose.org projects supported by Lands' End please visit the Lands' End giving page at: http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/viewChallenge.html?id=28212&1271177212049.

About Lands' End

Lands' End® is a classic American lifestyle brand with a passion for quality, legendary service, real value and a simple two-word promise to stand behind everything it sells: Guaranteed. Period.® Lands' End delivers timeless style for Men, Women, Kids and the Home at landsend.com, 1-800-800-5800, the Lands' End Shops at Sears and around the world. Lands' End is a proud member of Sears Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq: SHLD).

(1)  Noelle M. Emerson and Daniel A. Domenech, "A Cliff Hanger:  How America's Public Schools Continue to Feel the Impact of the Economic Downturn," April 2010, American Association of School Administrators.

SOURCE Lands' End