Sears to Collect Donations for American Red Cross Wildfire Relief Efforts At Store Cash Registers

In response to the wildfires in Idaho, Montana and Washington, Sears, Roebuck and Co. will collect donations for the American Red Cross wildfire relief efforts.

Beginning September 2 through September 15, 2000, Sears will encourage customers to make a cash or credit donation at any cash register in Sears stores throughout Idaho, western Montana and eastern Washington. The company, which has already contributed more than $20,000 in merchandise to relief efforts throughout the region, will match total customer contributions raised through the program up to a total of $5,000.

"Sears is proud to play a leadership role in helping our customers cope with the on-going fire devastation," explained Chris Adams, Sears district manager. "Our cash register donation program will provide the community with a convenient way to help the local American Red Cross respond to disasters."

"The American Red Cross is grateful for the continued leadership of Sears," said Rick Mitchell, CEO, American Red Cross of Greater Idaho. "This extra effort to help mobilize the community is very much appreciated."

Sears has six stores in Idaho: Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Pocatello, and Twin Falls. Donations also will be accepted at Sears stores in Missoula, Mont., and Spokane, Wash.

Sears is a national sponsor of the American Red Cross, donating $1 million over five years to disaster relief services throughout the nation. Last year, Sears and its associates, along with The Sears-Roebuck Foundation, contributed nearly $30 million in funding and merchandise for a variety of family-focused health, human service, education and other civic organizations nationwide. In addition, Sears associates and their families provided more than 275,000 hours of volunteer service for community projects throughout the country.

Sears, Roebuck and Co. is a leading U.S. retailer of apparel, home and automotive products and services, with annual revenue of nearly $40 billion. The company serves families throughout the country through approximately 860 full-line department stores, more than 2,100 specialized retail locations, and a variety of online offerings accessible through the company's web site, http://www.sears.com/ .

SOURCE: Sears

Contact: Media, Ray Higgins, 208-323-5721, or Susan Duchak,
847-286-8411, both of Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Website: http://www.sears.com/