HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Nov. 5, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sears Hometown Stores is partnering with the National Volunteer Fire Council to raise money for one local fire department for each of their stores' communities as part of its "Salute to Local Heroes" charity campaign. The objective of the campaign is to provide firehouses across the nation with critical funds to improve resources for training, equipment and financial support where the local heroes need it most.
From now through Dec. 31, 2014, Sears Hometown Stores, customers and company employees will have the opportunity to donate toward their local fire department while making a purchase. All contributed funds will go directly to the local fire station for that store's community. In addition, $1 from each Craftsman® Bottle Cap Wrench purchase will be directly donated to the chosen local department.
"Volunteer firefighters provide a service to their local communities that is valued at more than $147 billion per year, yet they often do not have the funding to meet their own basic needs," stated Heather Schafer, CEO of National Volunteer Fire Council. "The NVFC applauds Sears Hometown Stores for launching the 'Salute to Local Heroes' campaign which provides support to local fire departments that protect lives and property."
The campaign focuses on supporting first responders with funds that will go toward purchasing and maintaining the following:
- Equipment including protective gear, rescue tools, medical apparatuses, trucks, thermal imaging devices, etc.
- Response certifications and training
- Assistance and family support for injured responders
- Building maintenance and refurbishments
- Recruitment and retention programs
- Junior firefighter programs
- Firefighter memorials
- And other needed resources and programs
"Last year, when the campaign was launched, there was a huge outpour from firehouses across the nation expressing the need for funds," said David Buckley, Chief Marketing Officer of Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. which operates Sears Hometown Stores. "Considering the success of this program last year, we believe this is a great way for us to have a continuous, positive impact on the communities in which we serve."
For more information on Sears Hometown Stores or to find the nearest location, visit http://www.searshometownstores.com/.
About Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc.
Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:SHOS) is a national retailer primarily focused on selling home appliances, lawn and garden equipment, tools and hardware. As of August 2, 2014, Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. and its dealers and franchisees operated 1,251 stores across all 50 states as well as in Puerto Rico and Bermuda. In addition to merchandise, Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. provide consumers with access to a full suite of services, including home delivery, installation and extended service contracts.
Operating through two segments—the Sears Hometown and Hardware segment and the Sears Outlet segment—Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. and its subsidiaries offer franchise and dealership opportunities focused on selling, as applicable, top brand home appliances, hardware, tools, lawn and garden equipment and outlet merchandise. For more information about Sears Hometown & Outlet Stores, Inc., visit www.shos.com. To learn about the opportunity to own and operate a store format, visit www.ownasearsstore.com.
About National Volunteer Fire Council
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the unified voice of the volunteer Fire and EMS organizations in the national arena and provides invaluable tools, resources, programs, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. For more information about the NVFC visit http://www.nvfc.org/.