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Target and The Salvation Army join forces to supply back-to-school essentials.
On July 26, nearly 500 Target stores nationwide partnered with The Salvation Army in a one-day shopping spree for pre-qualified K-12 students, providing an $80 Target GiftCard to purchase back-to-school supplies. This year more than 12,000 students in need participated.
A volunteer chaperone accompanied each child on the shopping excursion, helping with purchasing decisions and enjoying the fun.
For the past three years, Target has awarded all 40 Salvation Army divisions in the U.S. Target GiftCards totaling $1 million.
“Education is at the heart of Target’s giving and the Target School Spree is one way we help kids learn and schools teach, paving a path to graduation,” Laysha Ward, Target’s president of community relations, said. “By partnering with The Salvation Army, Target is giving kids in need the tools necessary to show up to school ready to learn and succeed.”
All 10 Western Territory divisions took part in this year’s spree.
“Every year, thousands of students in all grades attend school without the right supplies,” Major George Hood, national community relations and development secretary, said. “Target and The Salvation Army are working together to change that by providing educational opportunities to students in need throughout the country.”
View an audio slideshow of the event in Culver City, Calif., via the West’s Expect Change blog: https://tiny.cc/ymje4.
