Macy's and Make-A-Wish Welcome Back “Wishes Across America,” 12/6

On Dec. 6, customers across the nation will have the opportunity to spread joy and goodwill as Macy's National Believe Day returns for a fifth season of giving. As part of Macy's nostalgic Believe campaign, which was inspired by the New York Sun's famous editorial "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus," National Believe Day was created to spread the season's message of kindness and generosity toward others.

To mark the fifth anniversary of this special day, Macy's and Make-A-Wish will grant more than 50 special "Wishes Across America" to children with life-threatening medical conditions. In addition, on National Believe Day only, Macy's is inviting customers to help deliver a special $1 million day. For every stamped letter mailed at a Macy's red Santa Mail letterbox in-store, Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, above the existing $1 million campaign goal. With the help of "Believers" across the nation, this new element of Macy's Believe program will help Macy's reach up to $2 million in total for Make-A-Wish during this year's campaign. Macy's is also encouraging customers to share a photo or video of their moment mailing a letter to Santa at Macy's Believe Station to Instagram, Twitter or Vine using #MacysBelieve, to be considered for the opportunity to be in a Macy's television commercial airing Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

"Macy's National Believe Day continues to bring together communities across the country during the holiday season through acts of true compassion and generosity," said Martine Reardon, Macy's chief marketing officer. "We are amazed year after year by the overwhelming support Macy's and Make-A-Wish receive from customers nationwide and the program's positive impact on children with life-threatening medical conditions. With the help of Macy's customers, we hope to do even more good this year and reach our goal to create a million dollar day."

Macy's Believe campaign was inspired by the uplifting story of 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon, who in 1897, wrote a letter to the New York Sun newspaper inquiring about the existence of Santa Claus. The editor of the Sun, Francis P. Church replied, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist..." Macy's Believe campaign is intended to inspire a national movement toward acts of kindness and goodwill toward others, reinforcing altruism as a holiday tradition. As part of Macy's Believe campaign, children of all ages can drop their stamped letters, addressed to Santa at The North Pole, in the Santa Mail letterbox at their local Macy's. For each letter received through Dec. 24, Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million, to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Key elements of National Believe Day include:

"Wishes Across America"

To celebrate the fifth annual National Believe Day, Macy's and Make-A-Wish will grant more than 50 special "Wishes Across America" to children with life-threatening medical conditions. This program was created to inspire others to embrace the spirit of goodwill by granting multiple wishes across the country all on one day, while making a direct impact on their own community.

Million Dollar Day

In celebration of National Believe Day, on Friday, Dec. 6 only, for every letter received in-store, Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million, above the existing $1 million goal. This new element of Macy's Believe program has the potential to make National Believe Day a million-dollar day, and help generate up to $2 million in total for Make-A-Wish during this year's campaign.

"Yes, Virginia" Animated Special

The award-winning "Yes, Virginia" animated holiday television special will return this year featuring an all-star cast of voices that includes Neil Patrick Harris, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Alfred Molina and Beatrice Miller in the title role. The half-hour holiday program takes viewers on a fascinating journey about the existence of Santa Claus and the curiosity amongst believers. "Yes, Virginia," presented by Macy's, will air on CBS on National Believe Day, Friday, Dec. 6, at 8:30 p.m. ET (check local listings).

The Hispanic adaptation of the program entitled "Si, Virginia. Un Cuento Navideño" will also feature an all-star cast with some of the most beloved entertainers in Hispanic America, including Don Francisco, Giselle Blondet, Blanca Soto, Ernesto LaGuardia and Gaby Borges in the title role. "Si, Virginia. Un Cuento Navideño" will air on Univision on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. ET.

"Yes, Virginia" was created and produced by Macy's and JWT in conjunction with The Ebeling Group and MEC Entertainment, a division of Mediaedge:cia.

For more information about Macy's Believe campaign and National Believe Day, visit macys.com/believe. For "Believe" media materials, please visit http://mustacheagency.com/MNR/MacysHoliday2013/en/believe.html.

About Macy's

Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy's offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy's flagship stores -- including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California -- are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers, employees and Macy's Foundation, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $70 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

About Make-A-Wish

Make-A-Wish® grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. According to a 2011 U.S. study of wish impact, most health professionals surveyed believe a wish-come-true can have positive impacts on the health of children. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illnesses, and their parents say these experiences help strengthen the entire family. Based in Phoenix, Make-A-Wish is one of the world's leading children's charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish grants a wish somewhere in the country every 38 minutes. It has granted more than 226,000 wishes since its inception in 1980; nearly 14,000 in 2012 alone. Visit Make-A-Wish at wish.org to learn more.