Sears Blue Tool Crew Announces Second Annual "Unsung Heroes: Dads Making a Difference" Contest

LAS VEGAS, May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sears Blue Tool Crew, with the help of Ty Pennington, announces the next "Do It Together" (DIT) initiative – the second annual "Unsung Heroes: Dads Making a Difference" Father's Day contest. Recognizing dads nationwide who use their tools to do good works for their communities, the Sears Blue Tool Crew contest is seeking entries that spotlight the work of fathers who serve as exemplary role models. Americans will vote to help select the winner of a grand prize worth $30,000 for use in the community.

The "Dads Making a Difference" contest is one of many programs within the Sears Blue Tool Crew's "Do It Together" campaign, which celebrates unsung heroes who use their tools and talents together for the greater good of the community.

"Last year's 'Dads Making a Difference' contest winner, Charlie Muller, converted a run-down building into a center to feed children living below poverty levels in Albany, N.Y.," said Ty Pennington, Sears spokesperson. "I am excited to be working with the Sears Blue Tool Crew to hear more inspirational stories this year and encourage people to nominate deserving dads."

While in Las Vegas, Ty Pennington and the Sears Blue Tool Crew also joined with Rebuilding Together, Sears Holdings' Heroes at Home partner, to help make essential renovations to the home of veteran Bryan Hurt, his wife Patricia and their six children.  The first-ever DIT Traveling Toolbox – a toolbox packed with an assortment of Craftsman power and hand tools – will be delivered by the Sears Blue Tool Crew – to help provide wheelchair accessibility, plumbing, electrical, weatherization and painting to the Hurt family.

In addition to the toolbox for Rebuilding Together, DIT Traveling Toolboxes will be criss-crossing the country to support individuals doing great things who may not have access to the tools and materials to get the job done right.  The toolboxes will be fully stocked with tools and a video camera to document the project.

"The commitment of these unsung heroes to the greater good of their communities is commendable and we are honored that we can help bring their projects to life through the 'Do It Together' program," said Bill Kiss, chief marketing officer and online general manager, Sears Holdings Tools and Hardware.

How to Nominate a Dad Who is Making a Difference

Beginning now through June 10, the Sears Blue Tool Crew is issuing a call for nominations for all dads who are actively involved in community-oriented projects. Entries require a brief 250-word-or-less essay and a photo. A panel of judges, including Ty Pennington, will select 10 finalists and America's vote will decide which nominee will receive a special visit from the Sears Blue Tool Crew to help bring a needy or ongoing project to life. Each finalist will receive tools and resources from the Sears Blue Tool Crew, while the grand prize winner will receive $30,000 in services and assistance from the Sears Blue Tool Crew to help further advance his community work.

Nominations should focus on how the deserving dad uses his tools and talents for the benefit of a project in his hometown. Entries will be accepted until June 10. From June 20 - July 3, Americans can cast their votes for which deserving dad will receive a visit from the Sears Blue Tool Crew with the tools and resources to bring their projects to life. Official contest rules are available at www.Facebook.com/SearsBlueToolCrew under the 'Dads Making a Difference' application. The grand prize winner will be announced on Facebook on July 11.

Raise Your Hand for the DIT Traveling Toolbox

To help a neighbor assemble a swing set or assist with fixing-up your community center, raise your hand for the Traveling Toolbox. To be considered, Tweet your story to @BlueToolCrew (www.twitter.com/BlueToolCrew) including the hashtag #tweet4tools.

After the Las Vegas renovation the Sears Blue Tool Crew/Rebuilding Together Traveling Toolbox will be put to good use at a build in Arkansas to benefit 44-year National Guard veteran, Lee Walker, and his family. The Arkansas ice storm and tornado that struck on Dec. 31, 2010, completely destroyed the Walker home.

About Do It Together

The Sears Blue Tool Crew, America's trusted tool advisors, recognizes that "Do It Yourself" has evolved into "Do It Together." Projects big and small are all accomplished the right way by working together as a team for the common good. Rebuilding Together, Sears Holdings' Heroes at Home partner will be assisting with the Do It Together community service efforts. To be continually updated with information on upcoming programs and projects, the latest news, deals and contests, including great offers from the Sears Blue Tool Crew, such as the Craftsman Club / Shop Your Way Rewards program, demos and testimonials:

• Like the Sears Blue Tool Crew Facebook page via Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SearsBlueToolCrew
• Follow the Sears Blue Tool Crew Do It Together Team on Twitter @BlueToolCrew http://www.twitter.com/BlueToolCrew
• Subscribe to the Sears Blue Tool Crew Do It Together Team YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/SearsBlueToolCrew

About the Sears Blue Tool Crew Unsung Heroes: Dads Making A Difference Contest

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.), 18 years or older who did not purchase any equipment for purposes of entering the Contest. Nominate a Dad Before: 6/10/11.  To enter and for Official Rules, including prize descriptions, visit www.facebook.com/SearsBlueToolCrew.  Void where prohibited.

About Sears Heroes at Home

The Heroes at Home program has provided the means for hundreds of military families to shop for in-demand items and necessities during the holidays through its Wish Registry, and the program will continue to provide support to service members, veterans and their families through joint efforts with various nonprofit organizations, including Rebuilding Together and the USO. The program has already helped hundreds of deserving military families by raising more than $21 million to support the rebuilding of more than 1,000 homes by the end of 2011

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation's fourth largest broadline retailer with over 4,000 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, consumer electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Sears Holdings is the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. 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 the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart. We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 11 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at http://www.searsholdings.com.

SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation