HOUSTON (Nov. 14, 2011) – This year’s Veteran’s Day was celebrated in a special way as Goody’s parent company, Stage Stores Inc., donated $375,000 to Operation Homefront, a national organization that provides emergency financial assistance and other vital support services to the families of U.S. soldiers. The donation came from the sale of patriotic-themed, reusable shopping totes and was made possible in part by the outstanding support from local Goody’s customers who purchased the tote.

The check was presented by Andy Hall, president and CEO of Stage Stores Inc., to Jim Knotts, CEO of Operation Homefront at one of the company’s stores in San Antonio, Texas, where Operation Homefront has its headquarters.

“In every hometown across our nation, we each know a family member or neighbor who is serving our country in the military. Our customers have been strong supporters of this initiative from the beginning, and we want to thank them for their generosity,” said Hall. “Operation Homefront is a vital asset to our military community and we’re proud to partner with them to support our veterans around the country.”

As a special tribute to veterans around the nation, the department store chain recognized two U.S. veterans, selected from nominations submitted by store associates around the country, to honor their military and community service. Robin Greer, a veteran of the U.S. Navy from Granbury, Texas, and Derek Mayes, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force from Indianapolis, Indiana, were surprised with a trip to San Antonio to attend the presentation and enjoy a fun-filled weekend with their families, courtesy of Stage Stores.

Operation Homefront is a national non-profit organization that provides military families with aid in the form of grocery store gift cards, short-term transitional living at Operation Homefront villages, donated vehicles for those who can’t afford one, and physical and emotional support for wounded soldiers and their families. Founded in 2002, Operation Homefront has 24 chapters throughout the US. More about the organization and its services is found at their website www.operationhomefront.net.

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