Leading Retailer of ENERGY STAR(R) Qualified Appliances Partners with Rebuilding Together New Orleans; Archie and Olivia Manning
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., August 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Exactly four years ago, Hurricane Katrina left a path of death, devastation and destruction from which New Orleans is still struggling to recover. As the city continues to rebound, Sears and the Blue Appliance Crew are joining forces with the national non-profit Rebuilding Together's New Orleans affiliate (RTNO), and longtime resident, football Hall of Famer Archie Manning and his wife Olivia, to restore two important properties in the historic Holy Cross neighborhood.
The Mannings will join Sears and Rebuilding Together on Thursday to celebrate the renovation of a 30,000 square foot Community Center that supports the affiliate's mission. On Saturday, Sears, the Mannings and Rebuilding Together will turn the keys of homeownership back to Army Corps veteran Geraldine Bush. Both properties are located in a neighborhood that was hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina. Sears donated $70,000 to rebuild the Community Center and Bush's home, and is providing Kenmore ENERGY STAR qualified appliances including refrigerators, ranges, washers and dryers.
"Sears' commitment to supporting communities in need as well as military servicemen and women is a long-standing tradition," said Doug Moore, senior vice president and president, Home Appliances for Sears. "We are determined to help deserving families that continue to struggle with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Through our work at the Community Center and home of Geraldine Bush, we hope to encourage displaced homeowners to return to their former homes and strengthen the sense of community as the city rebuilds."
On Saturday, August 29, Geraldine Bush and her brother will be welcomed back home by the Mannings, Kevin Brown, vice president and chief marketing officer, Home Appliances for Sears; Gary Officer, RTNO president and CEO; and numerous military and Sears volunteers. Geraldine's house is unique in that it, along with all of those on Alice Court, were part of the "trails and rails" program which helped to house people who were on their way across the country, and Sears is pleased that it is able to restore a piece of New Orleans history.
As the Community Center officially opens its doors again this Fall, it will include a workroom where AmeriCorp members and RTNO staff and area homeowners will be able to learn valuable rebuilding techniques to help further develop the Ninth Ward including working with contractors, receiving bids, materials, and permits.
