HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Nov. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- No one deserves a merry Christmas more than the men and women of the military who have given so much and asked for so little in return. That's why Sears is helping to spread the holiday cheer - continuing its long-standing commitment to the military, and their families - by distributing $100 e-gift cards to the more than 20,000 U.S. military families registered in the Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry(TM).

For the second consecutive year, Sears has rallied Americans to come together to raise money for active-duty service men and women during the holidays. Now through Dec. 31, contributions can be made to the Wish Registry at Sears stores nationwide or by visiting www.sears.com/heroesathome. Contributions made to the Wish Registry are not tax deductible and will be used to purchase Sears e-Gift Cards that will be distributed equally to all registered families. Upon making a contribution, consumers can include a personal note to the families and wish them happy holidays.

"This year, we have already seen an amazing outpouring of support, but we hope more Americans will join us by making a donation to the Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry so our military families can have an even brighter holiday season," said Don Hamblen, Sears' chief marketing officer. "This is the first disbursement to our Wish Registry families this year, and we want there to be many more to come. Every contribution, big or small, counts - even $1 or $2 can make a big difference."

While on the Heroes at Home Web site, consumers can also read the heart-warming stories of military families who benefited from this program last year. Here is an example of the stories that can be found on the site:

"Last year, Heroes at Home made a world of difference. We were able to get my daughter all the winter clothes she needed and still afford Christmas gifts. I couldn't believe that we were so lucky and that people cared so much for not only my husband, who was serving his third tour, but for my daughter and me as well. Thank you everyone, for your care, love, and generosity."

To further its support for the military and their families, this year Sears is working with the non-profit organizations MyVetwork Foundation, Inc. and The American Legion, to create the new Jobs for Vets program. Through the Jobs for Vets initiative, the Heroes at Home program will help provide job placement and mentorship assistance to military veterans, at no cost to veterans and their families.

To learn more about the Jobs for Vets program or to donate to help a veteran find a job or mentor go to 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