Americans and Kenmore Brand Reach Goal of Sending 250,000 Cookies to Deployed Troops

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- It doesn't get sweeter than this: 250,000 cookies committed to deployed U.S. armed forces in two weeks. As part of the Kenmore "Baking for the Troops" program, thousands of Americans joined forces to ask Kenmore to send dozens of cookies to those serving our country away from home. As a thank you to those who had a hand in reaching the goal, Kenmore will donate today $50,000 to Heroes at Home Wish Registry* to assist military families in need stateside.

While the holidays bring people together to share meals and make memories, many serving in the U.S. armed forces are often separated from their loved ones. Kenmore "Baking for the Troops" was created to deliver a taste of home sweet home by allowing Americans to share warm thoughts and delicious treats with troops away from family and friends. By simply "liking" the Kenmore Facebook page (www.facebook.com/kenmore), thousands of Americans selected messages of support that accompanied the cookies sent to individual troops on their behalf.

"I knew we'd get here, it was just a matter of time. Word of mouth and the collective heart of America is responsible for this tremendous outpouring of support and enthusiasm for the Baking for the Troops' program," said Sunny Anderson, host of Food Network's "Cooking for Real." "Having served in the U.S. Air Force, words can't express the joy I felt when I received messages from people back home. My involvement with 'Baking for the Troops' was my way of returning that favor and ensuring that those serving our country have a little bit of home in their hearts – especially when they are so far away."

As part of the "Baking for the Troops" program, Kenmore committed to donate $50,000 to Heroes at Home Wish Registry once the 250,000 cookie donation goal was reached. The 2010 Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry helps family members of U.S. Military currently on active duty. In 2009, more than 20,000 military families participated in the Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry program and received more than $6.7 million in gift card donations from the Sears community.

Kenmore worked with Katy's Cookies to bake and ship 250,000 cookies overseas. An active military supporter, Katy's Cookies prides itself on sending treats to deployed troops and those on base, while also raising funds for military causes. With the help of Operation Support Our Troops Illinois (OSOTIL) and the USO, all of the cookies committed were distributed to individual troops.

"Kenmore is proud of our continued commitment to the troops and our ability to offer Americans a means to provide small tokens of gratitude to those who sacrifice so much for our country," said Guenther Trieb, president, Sears Brands. "Reaching our goal of 250,000 cookies in just two weeks is a testament to America's huge heart and unwavering support for our armed forces."

For more information on Kenmore's new line of Elite ovens, visit www.kenmore.com.

*Donations made to the Wish Registry are not tax deductible and will be used to purchase Sears gift cards for registered families

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. Sears Holdings is the 2010 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 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' website at www.searsholdings.com.

Kenmore recently opened the "Kenmore Live Studio," an interactive center equipped with technology to stream exciting and innovative experiences live online. Studio visitors can share their voice with the world as they watch events that include chef and designer demonstrations, new product unveilings and more, in real time via Kenmore's Facebook page. The "Kenmore Live Studio," located in downtown Chicago at Huron and Wells (678 North Wells Street, Chicago Ill 60654), is open to the public every Thursday through Sunday. Visit www.facebook.com/kenmore to learn more.

SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation