COLUMBUS, Ga., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the company that pays policyholders cash benefits when they have been injured or become ill, and Macy's Department Stores are helping Americans who want to give back, even in a down economy. For the ninth consecutive year, Aflac and Macy's Department Stores are selling the annual plush Holiday Duck to fight pediatric cancer. This year's soon-to-be collector's item is dressed as a green holiday tree complete with ornaments and a golden star that lights up. It even quacks its attention-grabbing "Aflaaac" when squeezed. They go on sale on Sunday, November 1st at participating Macy's and at aflacholidayduck.com. "Aflac understands that many families who routinely make charity a part of their holiday traditions are struggling this year," Aflac's Manager of Cause and Marketing Philanthropy, Buffy Swinehart, said. "The Aflac Duck, which is always there in times of need, offers fans with tight budgets a chance to give back in a meaningful way." The prices are unchanged from last year at $10 for the 6-inch duck and $15 for the 10-inch version with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the nearest of 37 participating pediatric cancer hospitals in the region where it is sold. Since its initial appearance in 2001, the Aflac Holiday Duck has raised more than $2.2 million for pediatric cancer research and treatment. "We are delighted to once again partner with Aflac to raise funds for pediatric cancer research," said Michael Krauter, Macy's President and Regional Director of Stores in Atlanta. "The Aflac Ducks have become a holiday collectible for both our customers and associates. With 212 Macy's stores taking part in this initiative; we will be able to support 37 children's hospitals across the nation." Aflac makes pediatric cancer research and the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service in Atlanta its primary charitable cause, donating more than $50 million since 1998. On January 1, 2010, the Aflac Duck will celebrate its 10th birthday, while Aflac marks its 55th year serving American supplemental insurance consumers. About Aflac For more than 50 years, Aflac products have given policyholders the opportunity to direct cash where it is needed most when a life-interrupting medical event causes financial challenges. As the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States and the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force in Japan, Aflac insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. In 2009, Aflac was recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the third consecutive year and was also named by the Reputation Institute as the Most Reputable Company in the Global Insurance Industry for the second consecutive year. In 2009 Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the eleventh consecutive year. Fortune magazine also ranked Aflac No. 1 on its global list of America's Most Admired Companies in the Life and Health Insurance category. Aflac appears on Hispanic Enterprise magazine's list of the 50 Best Companies for Supplier Diversity and on Black Enterprise magazine's list of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity. Aflac was also named by Forbes magazine as America's Best-Managed Company in the Insurance category. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com. About Macy's Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer 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. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers. For Macy's media materials, images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at http://www.macys.com/pressroom. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091030/CL01043 ) (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090422/CL03654LOGO ) Media Contacts: Analyst and Investment Contact: Laura Kane Kenneth S. Janke Jr. Aflac Incorporated Aflac Incorporated 706.596.3493 1.800.235.2667, Option 3 706-593-0786 (cell) Fax: 706.324.6330 Jon A. Sullivan Aflac Incorporated 706.596.3493 706-573-7610 (cell) Macy's Contact: Melissa Goff Media Relations & Cause Marketing Southeast Region I Macy's 305.577.2171 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090422/CL03654LOGO http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091030/CL01043 DATASOURCE: Aflac CONTACT: Laura Kane, +1-706-596-3493, +1-706-593-0786 (cell), ; or Jon A. Sullivan, +1-706-596-3493, +1-706-573-7610 (cell), ; or Analyst and Investment Contact: Kenneth S. Janke Jr., +1-800-235-2667, Option 3, Fax: +1-706-324-6330, , all of Aflac Incorporated; or Macy's Contact: Melissa Goff, Media Relations & Cause Marketing, Southeast Region I Macy's, +1-305-577-2171, Web Site: http://www.aflac.com/

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