Sears Celebrates Military Heroes This Christmas With Programs That Give Back

November 11, 2009 By CJ
Posted in Uncategorized

With many active-duty military fathers and mothers not home while fighting for our country, Sears is again calling on America to step up and say “thanks” to the families of our troops this holiday season. As part of its long-standing commitment to the military, and their families, Sears is kicking off the second year of its Sears Heroes at Home Wish RegistryTM. Adding to that, the retailer is also introducing its new Jobs for Vets program, which will provide job mentoring and placement to returning military veterans and their families.

Last year, the Heroes at Home Wish Registry helped thousands of military families. For many, the wishes were simple and practical including everything from warm clothes to new toys for their children to a Christmas tree and other holiday decorations for their homes. In fact, many veteran families that were helped by last year’s efforts have shared their stories to encourage customers to donate to the program this year. One family shared:

“Heroes at Home last year made Christmas much nicer for my kids. I was able to buy them all some really nice gifts. We have never been able to spend money on new decorations due to finances, so we let the kids all choose new things and hung them when we got home. Having been a part of this program last year made our Christmas very nice. I hope that this program gives another family the joy that it brought us last year.”

This fall more than 20,000 active members of the military registered to participate in the Heroes at Home Wish Registry. Now through Dec. 31, customers can visit www.Sears.com/heroesathome and read stories, like the one above, as well as donate to the Heroes at Home Wish Registry. Upon making a donation, customers can include a note to the families and wish them happy holidays. Donations made to the Wish Registry are not tax deductible and will be used to purchase Sears gift cards that will be equally distributed to all registered families.

“The Heroes at Home Wish Registry is just one of Sears Holdings’ multiple programs designed to support the military and their families,” said Don Hamblen, Sears’ chief marketing officer. “The Wish Registry enables all Americans to recognize and celebrate the commitment our military makes on behalf of our country everyday. I can’t think of a better time than the holiday season to give back to those who have given so much.”

What’s more, this year Sears is expanding its military support by working with the non-profit organizations MyVetwork Foundation, Inc. and The American Legion, to create the new Jobs for Vets program. As a part of this initiative, the Heroes at Home program will also help provide job placement and mentorship assistance to military veterans.

MyVetwork is an online social networking community custom designed to be the most valuable and sustainable community of individuals in the U.S. military — whether active duty, retired or veteran — and their spouses, families and friends.

The American Legion is the nation’s largest veterans organization. It was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

Job mentorship and placement are provided through MyVetwork and The American Legion at no cost to veterans and their families.

“This is our chance to both provide our brave and dedicated veterans with employment opportunities, and attract and hire more qualified veterans to our ranks,” said Hamblen.

Sears Holdings’ ongoing commitment to assisting troops and their families includes several recruiting and employment programs, as well as a military pay differential to Sears associates employed (full time) who are reservists serving on active duty. Reservists who are employed full time are allowed to continue participating in life insurance, medical and dental programs. For more information, visit www.sears.com.

2 Comments »