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A donation, wish list and holiday collection
In early November, Target announced a $1 million donation to The Salvation Army in order to revitalize libraries, media centers and educational facilities across the country.
Supporting education
“Children are the heart and soul of our communities and we want to ensure they have the valuable educational resources they need to be successful at school and in life,” said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target.
The donation was unveiled at the Army’s Bushwick Community Center (NY) with more than 250 Brooklyn children and staff. Actor and comedian Chris Rock who attended the Bushwick Community Center after-school program and summer camp as a kid along with his wife Malaak, were present to help celebrate the opening. The newly transformed library features new books, furniture, shelving, and carpet made possible by a 2007 Target grant. The library also includes donated Dell (PRODUCT) RED computers and design elements by AARRIS Architects, LLP.
Malaak and Chris Rock said, “We are so thankful for Target’s continuing support of The Salvation Army Bushwick Community Center, but we are even more proud to help announce Target’s generous and important grant which will bring needed educational services to young people across our country.”
Each of the 40 divisions will receive $25,000 to assist in a similar renovation to the library, media center or educational facility of their choosing. Decisions will be made in February 2009, with upgrades completed by the end of the year.
“Target is helping us provide people with the tools to become self-sufficient adults and to fend off homelessness and poverty, which we feel starts with education and community at an early age,” said Major George Hood, national community relations secretary. “Target’s commitment is truly synonymous to oursto help create safe and healthy environments for families, and increase educational resources for children.”
Making the holidays bright
In addition to the donation, Target established an online wish list that allows shoppers to donate toys to kids in their local area. The “TargetLists” are separated by division in the West and can be accessed on target.com or salvationarmy.usawest.org. Click on your division and start shopping to help kids near you receive a gift this Christmas.
Target also created an exclusive holiday product collection where a portion of the purchase price is donated directly to The Salvation Army. The “Nice Twice: Gifts for a Cause” collection includes Songs for a Cause CD, a Salvation Army ornament, and the Target Photo Lab Holiday Cards. See more gifts at target.com/nicetwice.
“By purchasing items in the Nice Twice collection, our guests will have the opportunity to give back by directly supporting nonprofit organizations and the people they serve, which we hope will make their holiday shopping more meaningful,” Ward said.
