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HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Thousands of active-duty soldiers will be away from home this holiday season and Sears is calling on America to help bridge the miles and make the holidays a little easier for the men and women who serve our country. As a longstanding supporter of the military, Sears has launched its fourth annual encouraging customers and associates to donate in-store or online at , now through Nov. 19.

The Wish Registry, a seasonal extension of the Sears Heroes at Home program, gives deployed service members a chance to send their love home by providing the means for them to purchase practical gifts such as  ,Ìý²¹²Ô»å . The program, which distributes 100 percent of funds received back to military families across the country, has raised more than $16 million and helped more than 63,000 families in its first three years.

Many military 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:

As a military family, we hold our heads up high and make the best of any situation. We have an inner strength the helps us through but when we received the Heroes at Home Wish Registry gift card, it brought tears to my eyes. It made me realize that we are not going through this alone…We used our gift card this weekend and bought a gift for our soldier. Something he has always wanted. Thanks so much for making our holiday extra special and supporting our military.

This year the Wish Registry opened for donations earlier than in the past so registered families can make purchases in time for Christmas. Donations made to the Wish Registry are not tax deductible and will be distributed equally to registry members in the form of Sears .

"The Wish Registry is one of the many Heroes at Home programs that makes it possible for Sears, our associates, and all Americans to show appreciation for those who protect our country," said Monica Woo, Vice President, CMO of Sears. "Our ongoing programs provide regular opportunities to help our troops—whether it's with during the holiday season, rebuilding homes for military veterans year-round, or providing recruiting and employment programs."

The Heroes at Home Wish Registry continues to grow in popularity within the military community. Every year, thousands of active-duty service members register to participate in the Wish Registry, demonstrating a clear need for America's support.

To help serve our military heroes, Sears and Rebuilding Together are also conducting the "Operation Rebuild for Heroes at Home" social media contest, which gives communities across the U.S. the opportunity to help servicemen and women in need. Now through Sept. 23, Americans can participate by visiting to read the stories behind nominated grant applications and vote for the Rebuilding Together affiliate project that they believe is most deserving. Based on total vote tallies, Sears and Rebuilding Together will award 25 overall grants totaling $250,000 to Rebuilding Together affiliates at Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze levels.

Sears Holdings has a long and rich history of supporting military families and hiring associates who are active or retired service members. Sears' ongoing commitment to assisting troops and their families includes several recruiting and employment programs, as well as a military pay differential to full-time associates who are reservists serving on active duty. Reservists who are full-time Sears employees are allowed to continue participating in life insurance, medical and dental programs.

For additional information about the Heroes at Home Wish Registry or to make a donation, visit .  

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 , Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation.  For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at .

SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation