Sears Volunteers Help Chicago Homeowners Gear Up for Fall

Sears Outfits Homeowners with Fall Necessities and Beautifies Neighborhood
                                  Blocks

  WHO:       Dozens of low- and moderate-income homeowners in Chicago's
             Avalon Park neighborhood will be well prepared for fall thanks
             to the helping hands of nearly 100 Sears associate and retiree
             volunteers.

  WHAT:      In partnership with Chicago Cares, Sears is outfitting Chicago
             homeowners with more than $350 worth of fall necessities.
             Volunteers will assemble and deliver wheelbarrows chock full
             of fall supplies such as leaf blowers, rakes, crock pots,
             fleece blankets, jumper cables and Sears Gift Cards to each of
             the participating families. Volunteers will also install
             safety lighting on the blocks and spruce up vacant lots in the
             neighborhood. In addition, Sears is bringing the expertise of
             the Chicago Botanic Gardens to the block to enhance a vacant
             block by planting shrubs and trees provided by the
             organization.

             The program is part of the Sears American Dream Campaign, the
             company's $100 million community commitment to help millions
             of Americans in disadvantaged situations outfit and maintain
             their homes and families.

  WHY:       Fall is a great time to pay attention to the seemingly minor
             repairs that can increase the value, safety and efficiency of
             a home. Of its 14.5 million service calls in 2002, Sears saw
             an increase in service calls for heating systems and cooking
             appliances during the fall season.

             In addition, homes are the foundation of our families,
             neighborhoods and nation. Where homeownership and continued
             home maintenance is commonplace, children excel in school,
             adults are more active in their communities, local economies
             thrive and jobs are created. To strengthen Chicago-area
             neighborhoods and celebrate the Sears American Dream
             Campaign's first anniversary, the company's Headquarter
             associates and Chicago-area retirees have joined together to
             help homeowners in need prepare their homes and families for
             the fall.  Simultaneously, the company is conducting a similar
             program in northwest suburban Carpentersville.

  WHERE:     Blocks of Kenwood, Kimbark and Avalon between 79th Street and
             Anthony

  WHEN:      Saturday, September 13, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

  PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
  -- Families receiving wheelbarrows filled with fall necessities.
  -- Volunteers and residents installing security lighting on the blocks.
  -- Volunteers beautifying vacant lots by adding park benches and
     decorative landscaping.

  CONTACT:
  Lisa Gibbons
  Sears, Roebuck and Co.
  (847)286-5506
  Cell (847)275-8863

PRNewswire -- Sept. 10

SOURCE: Sears

Web site: http://www.sears.com/