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| By Lori O' Brien, Correspondent SPRINGFIELD A host of local residents have signed up to lather up cars to benefit a great cause Heroes at Home on June 16 at the Eastfield Mall Sears on Boston Road. "Many of our associates' relatives and friends are serving time overseas," said Ali Merklein, assistant store coach, branch central for Sears, during an interview with Reminder Publications. "In order to help raise more funds and awareness for the Heroes at Home national initiative, we came up with the idea to host a car wash at our parking lot." The car wash benefit will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Merklein noted that Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, based in Wilbraham, has agreed to donate ice cream for the volunteers, and other local eateries including the William J. Macy Company doing business as McDonald's will donate soft drinks. Sears Holding Corporation recently announced the launch of Heroes at Home, a charitable partnership with Rebuilding Together, a national volunteer home rehabilitation organization. Through Heroes at Home, Sears Holdings seeks to improve the lives of military families in need across America by making necessary repairs, improvements or modifications to their homes, according to Merklein. "Donations will benefit Heroes at Home which is a partnership with Rebuilding Together," added Merklein. "Local military families may apply for help at their local Rebuilding Together affiliate. The goal is to raise as much money as possible to help more military families in need." Sears and Kmart customers have the opportunity to join in the effort by making a donation in participating stores through July 8 or online at www.sears.com or www.kmart.com. Sears Holdings' ongoing commitment to assisting troops and their families includes several recruiting and employment programs, added Merklein. The company offers a military pay differential to employees serving in the armed forces. Additionally, reservists who are employed full-time are allowed to continue participating in life insurance, medical and dental programs. Heroes at Home is the first of three new programs that will be created as part of Sears Holdings' partnership with Rebuilding Together. The two other initiatives will focus on preserving and rehabilitating neighborhoods in some of the nation's largest cities and on helping needy individuals through home repairs. Merklein hopes that area residents come out in force for the car wash to show their support for the troops. "This is a wonderful opportunity for area residents to make a difference in the lives of those who have made such sacrifices for our country," she added. |