Nov. 5, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Kmart is helping make Christmas count for others this holiday season by again participating in St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Thanks and Giving(®) campaign. For the fourth consecutive year, Kmart has partnered with St. Jude to help bring a happier Christmas to children and families across the country. Today, to kick off this year's partnership and to encourage others to participate in charitable giving this holiday season, Kmart is making the first donation of $10,000.

"The tremendous support Kmart and its customers have brought to our patients and their families is quite astounding," said John Remington, senior vice president of ALSAC, the fundraising arm of St. Jude. "We hope everyone will embrace this holiday season and see it as an opportunity to help the kids of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Every generous gift goes such a long way in helping provide the research and care needed for the children and their families."

On Thursday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m., Kmart will present its first donation to St. Jude at the Kmart store at Penn Plaza in New York City. Santa will be on site to witness the charitable giving and encourage others to join - in exchange for a spot on his "nice" list, just in time for the holidays. Eight-year-old Ben, a St. Jude patient, and his family will also be at the event sharing their story of how St. Jude helped save his life.

"Kmart has always been committed to children and their health, which is why we look forward to being a part of the Thanks and Giving campaign again this year," said Mark Snyder, Kmart's chief marketing officer. "Money donated goes to help children with serious health conditions like eight-year-old St. Jude patient Ben, who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor at the age of two. We hope everyone, who can, will join us and celebrate the good St. Jude brings by spreading the holiday cheer with a donation."

Kmart is encouraging its customers to join in its support for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and "give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not." Kmart will collect contributions from shoppers nationwide throughout the holiday season. Customers can get involved and donate to the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign by:

--  Shopping in Kmart where you will see the St. Jude Thanks and Giving
magnifying glass and adding a donation at the check-out counter

--  Donating online at www.stjude.org/kmartdonate

"Supporting wonderful charities such as St.