Target Donates $1 Million to the Salvation Army to Revitalize Educational Facilities Across the Country
Chris and Malaak Rock, along with Target, will host more than 250 Brooklyn children and staff from The Salvation Army Bushwick Community Center to celebrate the announcement, as well as the opening of the Center's revitalized library, which features new books, furniture, shelving, and carpet, all made possible by a 2007 Target grant. The library also includes donated Dell (PRODUCT) RED computers and design elements by AARRIS Architects, LLP. As a child, Chris Rock attended The Salvation Army Bushwick Community Center after-school program and summer camp and continues to be involved with and show his appreciation to the Center year after year. Said Malaak and Chris Rock, "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."
"We're proud to expand our ongoing partnership with The Salvation Army to help update library, educational and after-school facilities throughout the country, providing children with an inspiring place to read, learn and most importantly, grow," said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. "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."
Each of the forty divisions will choose one library, media center or educational facility to receive the $25,000 grant for design elements, furniture, shelving, books, computers and carpet. The selection will be based on compelling need for improvement, potential to increase community use of the renovated space and long-term ability to sustain the space. Decisions will be made in February 2009, with the upgrades being 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, The Salvation Army. "Target's commitment is truly synonymous to ours -- to help create safe and healthy environments for families, and increase educational resources for our children -- and we're happy to continue to grow our partnership."
Target and The Salvation Army have a long-standing partnership, working hand-in-hand throughout the year to help families who need it most. The partnership includes grants to local chapters, volunteer hours and in-kind donations, totally $2.4 million in 2008. In addition, Target works with The Salvation Army to support the organization's disaster relief efforts in local communities by providing grants, pre-positioned products and the Family Preparedness Guide. Target's partnership also extends into the holiday season. Since 2006, Target has donated more than $1 million annually to support the organization's local chapters during the holidays and throughout the year. In addition, for the past three years Target has created an exclusive holiday product collection where a portion of the purchase price is donated directly to The Salvation Army.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 29 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in more than 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to http://www.salvationarmyusa.org.
About Target
Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,684 stores in 48 states nationwide by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Since 1946, the corporation has invested five percent of its income in the communities it serves. Target (NYSE: TGT) gives more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Target partners with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs. For more information, go to http://www.target.com/pressroom.
* The Salvation Army Divisions include Eastern Michigan, Heartland, Indiana, Kansas & Western Missouri, Metropolitan, Midland, Northern, Western, Western Michigan & Northern Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Empire State, Greater New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Northeast, Northern New England, Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands, Southern New England, Southwest Ohio & Northeast Kentucky, Western Pennsylvania, Alabama, Louisiana & Mississippi, Arkansas & Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky & Tennessee, Maryland & West Virginia, National Capital & Virginia, North & South Carolina, Texas, Alaska, Cascade, Del Oro, Golden State, Hawaii & Pacific Islands, Intermountain, Northwest, Sierra Del Mar, Southern California, and Southwest.
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SOURCE Target