Hurricane Gift Cards

According to the Promo Web site, "Sears, Roebuck and Co. provided United Way of Florida with $120,000 in gift cards for the families most affected by Hurricanes Charley and Frances. The retailer is also providing free flat-tire repairs for tire damaged by the storms. Sears offered the help through its Sears American Dream Campaign, a $100 million commitment to help families in need. And Food Lion gave the City of Jacksonville Disaster Relief 100 store gift cards in the amount of $10 each to help families after Hurricane Frances. It also delivered ice, drinking water, snack foods and juice to the area." Sears and Food Lion win on several fronts... they are viewed as a good corporate citizen and community member, they create good will among their customers (and potential customers) and generate positive media coverage as well. It's hard to get all that with a traditional marketing campaign.