Sears, Kmart Raise Over $1.3 Million for Military Families

According to a recently published press release, Sears and Kmart customers and associates are helping to raise money for the nation's number one volunteer home rehabilitation organization. Sears Holdings has already raised $1.3 million in its first Heroes at Home fund-raiser in partnership with Rebuilding Together. The Heroes at Home program helps improve the lives of military families with a parent overseas serving their country or people who have returned home and need help. The program helps military family homes make necessary improvements, modifications, and repairs to make home life easier.

Alywin B. Lewis, chief executive officer and president of Sears Holdings Corporation, said, "We thank our customers and associates for embracing Heroes at Home. Our company has a longstanding commitment to the heroic men and women in the military. Through this program, we are able to help ensure that many of these heroes and their families are living in safe, warm and comfortable homes."

The first person to benefit from the Heroes at Home program is Army Specialist Ryan C. Major, 21, from Silver Spring, Maryland. He is currently recovering from serious injuries he received while serving his country overseas in Iraq recently. He injuries resulted in the amputation of both his legs, damage to his arms, and severe brain injury. Heroes at Home was able to give Ryan a wheelchair accessible bathroom, elevator and bedroom, which will make mobility easier for him.

Lorrie Knight-Major, mother of Ryan, said, "The help that Rebuilding Together, Sears and Kmart have provided has been a true blessing. I wanted to bring Ryan home and now they have made that truly possible."

Aside from making better wheelchair access in his Silver Spring home a lot easier, Sears also donated a new washer, dryer, and huge plasma TV to Ryan and the rest of his family in Silver Spring, Maryland. Manager of the Sears store in Silver Spring, Maryland, David Weavill, personally supervised the delivery and installation of all the appliances donated to the Major family's home.