Contact:
Scott Gunderson Rosa, LULAC, (202) 833-6130
Dawn Orzel, Kmart Corporation, (248) 463-6262

For Immediate Release: January 9, 2000

Washington, D.C. -- The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) today announced a partnership with Kmart that will place 200 Gateway computers in Hispanic communities across the country. As part of LULAC's Empower the Community with Technology Project, the computers will be sent to LULAC technology centers where they will be accessible to local members of the community.

"We commend Kmart for their efforts in bridging the digital divide in the Latino community," said Rick Dovalina, LULAC National President. "Improving access to technology is one of LULAC's top priorities and we can not succeed without the help of partners like Kmart."

LULAC's Empowerment project is in the process of establishing 30 community technology centers across the country where Hispanic families can use the Internet and receive computer training. Kmart's participation stems from Proctor & Gamble's long-term community outreach initiative Avanzando con tu familia, developed to provide Hispanic families the tools and information that will help them advance to reach their goals.

"Kmart understands the powerful role the Internet can play in bettering the lives of Spanish-speaking Americans," said Shawn Kahle, Kmart Vice President of Corporate Affairs. "We are strongly committed to ensuring that every Kmart shopping experience is pleasurable and relevant for our Hispanic customers. Working with our colleagues at BlueLight.com and Procter & Gamble, we are proud to extend our commitment to the Latino community by providing LULAC with tools that will enhance their educational centers and service to their clients."

Communities receiving the computer donations are as follows:

Los Angeles, CA
Pomona, CA
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Colorado Springs, CO
Denver, CO
Pueblo, CO
Miami, FL
Chicago , IL
Boston, MA
Kansas City, MO
Albuquerque, NM
Bronx, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Bayamon, PR
Corpus Christi, TX
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
McAllen, TX
San Antonio, TX

Two hundred Kmart stores with a large percentage of Hispanic customers will promote the Avanzando program by distributing copies of its magazine, Procter & Gamble coupons, and BlueLight.com Spanish-Language Totally Free Internet Service CD's. A Gateway computer incentive will be offered in these stores ­ with the purchase of three Avanzando brands, customers will receive an offer for $50 off the purchase price of a Gateway computer.
Based in San Francisco, BlueLight.com is an independent company formed to leverage the substantial assets of Kmart Corporation, the nation's second-largest discount retailer. As Kmart's e-commerce channel, BlueLight's goal is to meet the online shopping needs of the more than 30 million Americans who visit a Kmart retail location each week, turning those consumers into BlueLight customers by offering "Great Brands at BlueLight Prices."
BlueLight's shopping site (www.bluelight.com) features thousands of products across multiple categories, including Martha Stewart Everyday" and other nationally recognized brands. BlueLight.com's Totally Free Internet Service, powered by Spinway, Inc., is the fastest growing Internet service in U.S. history with more than four million subscribers after just nine months. BlueLight.com was formed in 1999 by Kmart Corporation (NYSE: KM) and SOFTBANK Venture Capital with investments by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO). For more information visit www.bluelight.com.

Kmart Corporation serves America with 2,163 Kmart, Big Kmart and Super Kmart retail outlets. In addition to serving all 50 states, Kmart operations extend to Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States. LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.