HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., March 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Kmart, the top corporate partner for March of Dimes Foundation, launches its unprecedented fourth decade of fundraising support for the cause, kicking off its 2014 campaign with new ways to donate, and rewards for giving for Shop Your Way members.

During the last three decades, Kmart has raised $114 million to help advance the critical work being done by the March of Dimes on behalf of newborns. This year also marks Kmart's 22(nd) year as a national sponsor for the annual March for Babies(®) walks, which will take place this spring in 700 communities across the country.

"At Kmart we know that preventing premature birth not only reduces health care costs, it saves babies' lives," said Tim Austin, senior vice president of retail services at Kmart and 2014 National Chairman for March for Babies. "Our associates, members and customers embody the spirit in which the March of Dimes was founded -- that small contributions by many add up to incredible results. These donations to the March of Dimes help give hope to the families of more than half a million babies born too soon each year."

Now through June 21, 2014, donors can contribute in-store at any Kmart and online via a link at kmart.com/marchofdimes, with 100 percent of funds raised benefitting the March of Dimes.

New this year, Kmart rewards its Shop Your Way members who donate in-store with a coupon for five percent back in points on their next qualifying in-store or online merchandise purchase.* Also new this year, Kmart introduced a collectible puppy figurine, available in-store or online for $5, with $1 from each sale being donated to the March of Dimes**.

"As the number one March for Babies sponsor, Kmart and its associates and customers are truly dedicated to the health of America's moms and babies," said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. "Thanks to their efforts, the March of Dimes is able to fund research major breakthroughs, like surfactant therapy, to save the lives and the health of premature babies."

For more information or to donate, visit kmart.com/marchofdimes. Members are also encouraged to follow the Shop Your Way March of Dimes page at ShopYourWay.com/marchofdimes.

About Kmart
Kmart, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is a mass merchandising company and part of SHOP YOUR WAY, a social shopping experience where members have the ability to earn points and receive benefits across a wide variety of physical and digital formats through ShopYourWay.com. Kmart offers customers quality products through a portfolio of exclusive brands that include Sofia by Sofia Vergara, Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, Route 66 and Smart Sense. For more information visit the company's website at www.kmart.com | Sears Holdings Corporation website at www.searsholdings.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/kmart.

About March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. Find out how you can help raise funds to prevent premature birth and birth defects by walking in March for Babies at marchforbabies.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. The 2014 March for Babies is sponsored nationally by the March of Dimes number one corporate supporter Kmart, Macy's, Famous Footwear, Cigna, Sanofi Pasteur, Mission Pharmacal, United Airlines, and Actavis.

*Receipt of the coupon may affect the tax deductibility of your donation. Consult your own tax advisor. Terms and restrictions apply to use of the coupon. See coupon for details.

**March 12 - June 21, minimum donation of $30,000




    MEDIA CONTACTS:

    Brian Hanover             Kelly Cagney

    Sears Holdings             Zeno Group

    847-286-6080              312-396-9749

    Brian.Hanover@searshc.com Kelly.Cagney@zenogroup.com

SOURCE Kmart