Sears, National Military Family Association Host Kids' Camp Closing Event
The National Military Family Association (NMFA), the North Carolina National Guard and Sears, Roebuck and Co. is hosting a closing ceremony for the 2004 Operation Purple camps -- the new summer camp program for children of deployed service members -- from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. today at Millstone 4-H Center, 1296 Mallard Drive in Ellerbe, N.C. Special guest attendees include the following: Mrs. Mary Easley, First Lady of North Carolina, Major General William E. Ingram, Jr., The Adjutant General of the North Carolina National Guard, Secretary Bryan Beatty, Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, North Carolina and State Senator William Purcell.
"Operation Purple brings military children together from all branches of the armed forces in a non-threatening environment to give them the skills they need to deal with the enormous stresses that arise in dealing with the deployment of a parent," said Candace Wheeler, president of NMFA.
Nearly 1,000 children attended the 12 camps this summer, which were located across the United States with one in Guam. Sears provided funding for the camps as part of a $2 million contribution to the military community through NMFA. Sears' support for military families is part of the Sears American Dream Campaign's commitment to strengthening families, homes and communities. Children attended the camps free of charge thanks to the funding.
About NMFA
NMFA is a predominantly volunteer-operated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with a dedicated group of volunteer representatives, based around the world. These representatives are the "eyes and ears" of the association. Through their daily lives they embody the military lifestyle, including active duty, reserve, Guard and retirees. They also interact, educate and inform military families of their benefits. In so doing, they contribute to the association's mission: to improve the quality of life for all military families through education, information and advocacy. For more information about the NMFA visit the association Web site at the following Web site address: .
About the Sears American Dream Campaign
Sears' partnership with NMFA is part of the Sears American Dream Campaign, the company's multi-year, $100 million commitment to strengthen families, homes and communities. From helping low- and moderate-income homeowners nationwide outfit and maintain their homes to assisting victims of natural disasters to providing thousands of children with new apparel, the Sears American Dream Campaign is making a meaningful difference in communities across the nation. For more information about the Sears American Dream Campaign, visit the campaign Web site at .
SOURCE: Sears, Roebuck and Co.
CONTACT: Lauren Rebeiz of National Military Family Association,
+1-703-931-6632, or Cheryl Ann Lambert of Sears, Roebuck and Co.,
+1-847-286-4714
Web site: