Kmart helping Michigan's unemployed

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (WOOD) - Kmart is stepping up to help those who are unemployed in Michigan.

The Kmart Smart Assist Savings Card gives eligible customers a 20 percent discount off more than 1,200 regularly priced items for up to six months. Groceries to cleaning supplies to paper goods to drug store items are available on the program; however, sale and clearance merchandise is excluded.

"Unemployment is severely impacting our Michigan communities, so we knew we had to step up to the plate and do what we could to help Kmart customers continue to provide their families with the staples they need, even on a tight budget," said Curt Avallone, Kmart VP and CMO of Food, Consumables and Drug Store. "In these challenging economic times, people are looking for the most value for their money, and we hope the Kmart Smart Assist Savings Card will enable cardholders to keep good quality food on the table and maintain clean, healthy homes while they get back on their feet."

Any customer who can present a valid Michigan state-issued identification and a state-issued unemployment benefits enrollment confirmation is eligible to enroll in the program. Michigan residents who file for state unemployment benefits either before or after the program begins are eligible, provided they possess required documentation. Even if customers gain employment before their Kmart Smart Assist Savings Card expires, they may still use the card up until its expiration, regardless of their employment status.

At checkout, cardholders will be required to show their valid Kmart Smart Assist Savings card, valid state-issued unemployment verification and state-issued ID for signature verification.

Once you register online , you will receive a nontransferable Kmart Smart Assist Savings Card valid for up to six months depending on the date of issue.

"This is good corporate citizenship and I want to applaud Kmart and its parent company, Sears Holdings, for doing its part to help people who are struggling," Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Mich) said in a statement. "We have a lot of people in transition right now, and these displaced workers will - like our state itself - get back on their feet and remember those who helped during this time of hardship. Kmart has a long, proud history in our state and I think people will recognize the company for this good deed."

"I want to commend Kmart for their loyalty and support to the state of Michigan and the citizens struggling to keep their heads above water in these dire economic times," added Senate Majority Leader Michael Bishop (R-Mich). "Kmart's offer of a 20 percent discount on [their private label] brand goods to our unemployed citizens embodies the kind of corporate community spirit we need now more than ever. This is a generous program from an exemplary company and I thank them for their offer to help while we strive to get Michigan back to a strong economy that provides much needed jobs."