New York Family First in Nation to See Santa

DODGEVILLE, Wis., Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ — In the mad dash for the holidays, it’s the little moments that mean the most. Lands’ End is honoring one family’s very special tradition, announcing today that Colleen DiCostanzo of Williamsville, N.Y., is the winner of the “Hi, Santa” Family Photo & Story Contest. Santa selected Colleen’s thoughtful story about how she and her family prepare for Christmas through a neighborhood fundraiser run known as the “Turkey Waddle.”


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061201/CGF028 )


Her story will have a starring role in the final “Hi, Santa” episodes before Christmas, available free online at http://hisanta.landsend.com/ or by calling 1-800-HI-SANTA. In addition, DiCostanzo will receive $5,000 in goodies from Lands’ End. As a special surprise, Lands’ End is helping the DiCostanzo family and their community fulfill local needs by donating $25,000 in products to the Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, N.Y. — a local organization for which the DiCostanzos had worked to raise money through the “Turkey Waddle.”


“The holidays can be such a busy time, and the ‘Hi, Santa’ Web site has given families a chance to take a break and share their holiday preparations in a fun, interactive way within an online community,” said David McCreight, president of Lands’ End. “We’re thrilled to have such an amazing response to the one-stop place for an update on Santa’s activities and proud to help the DiCostanzo family support their community with our donation to the Women & Children’s Hospital in Buffalo.”


From December 1-12, families were invited to write short stories and post photos to Santa’s blog on the “Hi, Santa” Web site to show how they were preparing for his arrival. DiCostanzo’s photo and story was selected from more than 1,000 entries.


Web site visitors also had the opportunity to rate their favorite family photo and story. Although the contest entry period has ended, families are encouraged to continue to share their Christmas preparation stories with Santa.


Now through December 25, families can call 1-800-HI-SANTA or visit http://hisanta.landsend.com/ to hear a charming, daily adventure from Santa’s Workshop; get the inside scoop on Christmas preparations; and learn more about the holiday happenings from the North Pole through Santa’s blog. In addition, families can participate in an online scavenger hunt to win daily prizes and download free coloring pages and an MP3 of Santa’s catchy and fun song, “Hi, Santa,” written with help from celebrated songwriter Ken Lonnquist.


About Lands’ End


Established in 1963, on the promise of delivering high quality product at a great value, Lands’ End(R) is one of the world’s largest consumer-direct retailers of specialty apparel. The company offers a complete line of casual and tailored clothing for women, men, children and infants around the world. In addition, Lands’ End offers an innovative collection of fine-quality goods for the home. Most recently Lands’ End launched a Women’s Intimates line that complements its award-winning swimwear line for petite, average and larger women, as well as Lands’ End Baby, a line of heirloom-quality clothing and accessories for newborns, babies and toddlers that features exceptional quality and detailed construction. Lands’ End product can be purchased online at http://www.landsend.com/ , or by calling 1-800-LandsEnd (1-800-526-3736)to receive a catalog. Lands’ End is a proud member of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:SHLD) and an assortment of Lands’ End favorite merchandise is available in select Sears stores. And, of course, all Lands’ End product is Guaranteed. Period.(R)