Community Giving: Education: Teachers and Classrooms
Take Charge of Education March Payout Largest in History
MINNEAPOLIS (March 25, 2008) — Target announced today that its Take Charge of Education® school fundraising initiative has provided $16.8 million in funding to schools nationwide in its largest payout since the program’s inception. Donated to schools twice a year, Take Charge of Education dollars can be used for whatever schools need most from technology to books and school supplies to artist-in-residence programs. As the program enters its 11th year, Take Charge of Education has donated more than $229 million to more than 100,000 schools nationwide.
"Take Charge of Education allows Target to continue its commitment to furthering educational opportunities nationwide while providing our team members and guests the opportunity to see their money at work in schools close to home," said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. "Without the active involvement of our team members and guests, Target would never have been able to reach this milestone and impact the learning experiences of students across the country."
Take Charge of Education allows Target guests to designate an eligible K-12 school of their choice and have Target donate an amount equal to one percent of their REDcardSM (Target® Visa® Credit Card, Target Credit CardSM and Target Check CardSM) purchases made at Target and Target.com*. Target also donates 0.5 percent of Target Visa Credit Card purchases made everywhere else Visa credit cards are accepted.
"The funding Take Charge of Education provided to my school was used to purchase SMART Boards for every grade level and a special reading series that helps beginning and struggling readers build important reading skills – important educational tools that supplement standard textbook and workbook activities," said Renee Mueller, a kindergarten teacher at Eden Lake Elementary in Eden Prairie, Minn. "The additional resources have given us the flexibility to be creative with our approach to teaching and as a result, lessons resonate with students more than ever before."
Cardholders and school representatives can visit Target.com/tcoe, call 1-800-316-6142 or log on to kiosks at Target stores to enroll, select a school or check the status of payouts. Members of the media may contact Lindsey Winkler at (201) 964-2374 to learn more about the program and inquire about participating local area schools.
About Target
Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,613 stores in 47 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 itsincomein 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.
*Subject to Take Charge of Education program rules. See Target.com/tcoe or call 1-800-316-6142 for details.
Editor’s Note: Target welcomes the media to its stores. Please contact your local store for information about merchandise and community programs.
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