Jackson Hewitt(R) Announces First-Ever Chicago 'Giving Day' on December 22nd to Benefit Area Homeless and At-Risk Youth

Jackson Hewitt(R) Announces First-Ever Chicago 'Giving Day' on December 22nd to Benefit Area Homeless and At-Risk Youth

Tax Service Partners With Wal-Mart and Clear Channel Radio Chicago To Provide Gifts and Holiday Cheer to Young People In Need

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Dec. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tomorrow morning, tax preparers from the over 300 greater Chicago area offices of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service(R) will hit the aisles of local Wal-Mart stores to shop for a cause -- spreading holiday cheer to thousands of young people in need. Through the first-ever "Jackson Hewitt Giving Day" on Saturday, December 22, residents of four nearby youth services programs and homeless shelters for young people will receive gifts and much-needed supplies totaling over $30,000, all purchased and donated by the more than 50 Jackson Hewitt franchise owners in the Chicagoland area. Through its partnership with Clear Channel Radio, the public has been encouraged through radio announcements and online postings to also contribute to the cause. Members of the public are encouraged to drop off their gift item at their local Jackson Hewitt office.

As part of the program, Jackson Hewitt worked with four local organizations serving young people -- New Phoenix, The Night Ministry, Teen Living and Child Link -- to put together "wish lists" of desired gifts and supplies such as computers, furniture, electronics and clothing. On Saturday morning, four participating Wal-Mart stores will open their doors early at 6:00 a.m.* to allow Jackson Hewitt representatives to shop for these items and pack them into vans for delivery to the groups. Wal-Mart stores included in this first-ever "Giving Day" are located at: 4650 W. North Avenue; 1300 Des Plains Avenue (Forest Park); 2500 West 95th Street (Evergreen Park); and 850 South Barrington Road (Streamwood).

In addition, radio personality Glenn Cosby from Clear Channel V103 will host a live remote at the Evergreen Park Wal-Mart from 12 noon through 5:00 p.m. to celebrate "Giving Day" and provide a special treat for Wal-Mart shoppers.

"As most of us prepare to join with friends or family members for meals and gift giving, we at Jackson Hewitt feel it is critically important to take time to remember and reach out to those in need," comments George Akkawi, franchise owner, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. "There are over 1 million homeless young people in America today, with tens of thousands in Illinois alone. By launching our first 'Giving Day' to share gifts and essential supplies, our team is reaching out to let these young people know that they are not forgotten this holiday season."

Individuals who are interested in dropping off an item for a shelter can call 1-800-234-1040 to find a nearby Jackson Hewitt office accepting donations.

   *6:00 a.m. opening for media only    About Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.  

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (NYSE:JTX) , with over 6,500 franchised and company-owned offices throughout the United States during the 2007 tax season, is an industry leader providing full service individual federal and state income tax preparation. Most offices are independently owned and operated. The Company is based in Parsippany, New Jersey. More information may be obtained at www.jacksonhewitt.com. To locate the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service(R) office nearest to you, call 1-800-234-1040.

    Contact:    Melissa Connerton                Jorge Lavina    CooperKatz & Company             CooperKatz & Company    212-455-8001                     212-455-8041    mconnerton@cooperkatz.com        jlavina@cooperkatz.com     George Akkawi    Jackson Hewitt Tax Service    708-927-6800  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.

CONTACT: Melissa Connerton, +1-212-455-8001, mconnerton@cooperkatz.com,
or Jorge Lavina, +1-212-455-8041, jlavina@cooperkatz.com, both of CooperKatz &
Company for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.; or George Akkawi Jackson Hewitt
Tax Service, +1-708-927-6800

Web site: http://www.jacksonhewitt.com/

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