Sears Steps Up Again to Help More Than 20,000 Military Families Through Its Heroes at Home Wish Registry

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- During the 2009 holiday season, Sears called on Americans to help make Christmas special for thousands of active-duty military men and women and their families by contributing to the Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry™. Thanks to the generosity from across the country, Sears was able to brighten the holidays for deserving soldiers and their families by raising nearly $7 million in gift card donations. As a result, Sears provided $322.63 in gift cards to more than 20,000 military families this holiday season.

Military families were given the means to purchase everything from warm clothes and new toys for their children to a Christmas tree and other holiday decorations. At a time when some families struggle and are separated with parents and spouses deployed overseas, Sears, with the help of Americans nationwide, stepped up to make the holidays joyous at a time when it was needed most.

Those who have benefited from the Heroes at Home Wish Registry shared their heartfelt thanks and appreciation at www.sears.com/heroesathome:

"Tears are streaming down my face as I write my message. Your generous donations have made such a huge difference in so many lives. As military spouses, we tend to feel neglected and forgotten during the holidays. Thank you so much for your appreciation."

"Thank you to everyone who participated and donated last year. My four kids would not have had decorations on a tree if it wasn't for your kindness. Thank you so much – my husband appreciates you thinking of him and his military family."

"When I came home from Iraq last year, my now wife and I decided to get married. By Christmas, she had been unemployed for four months and I was on my way out of the service. We had three children to buy Christmas gifts for and thankfully I had my Heroes at Home card – that was the only way we had to buy them gifts. It was definitely a blessing for us in a time of need."

"We are so thankful to everyone – especially our customers – who contributed to this year's Heroes at Home Wish Registry allowing us to provide support to thousands of military families, many of whom spent Christmas with a family member overseas," said Richard Gerstein, senior vice president, marketing for Sears Holdings. "While the holidays can be particularly tough for military families, the hardships don't stop there, which is why Sears is committed to supporting the men and women of our military who sacrifice so much for all of us – all year long. We look forward to helping even more military families in 2010."

During the holiday season, Sears provided three disbursements in the form of e-Gift Cards to the military families registered in the Heroes at Home Wish Registry. The third and final e-Gift Card, in the amount of $122.63, was distributed in early January to help them start the New Year off right.

The Sears Heroes at Home program continues to have a positive impact on the lives of military families and others. The Heroes at Home Wish Registry, is one of Sears Holdings' multiple programs supporting the military and their families. To learn more about Heroes at Home, visit www.sears.com/heroesathome.

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation's fourth largest broadline retailer with approximately 3,900 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 the Country Living collection, which is offered exclusively by Sears and Kmart. We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 12 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' Web site at www.searsholdings.com.

SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation