Targets Community Outreach Program - Essay Example

Target’s community outreach program has been in operation since 1962. The program is operated to lend support to various communities. Since implementing community support programs under the auspices of community outreach, Target has committed at least 5 per cent of its income to this effort. Cumulatively, this amounts to at least US$3 million weekly. In more recent times, Target has announced plans to commit US500 million in support of education and helping children learn to read by year-end 2015.
Target lends aid to education and helping children learn to read by partnering with key donors. For example, Target partnered with First Book in 2008 with the goal of donating new books to American schools in lower-income communities. Target also operated a REDcard program through which US$298 million dollars have been donated to US K-12 schools beginning in 1997. In addition, Target has partnered with Feeding America since 2001 under the auspices of its Meals for Minds program. Through this program, Target has funded US2.3 million to Meals for Minds and another US$1.2 to food banks and a number of school food programs in the US. Target also donates both time and personnel to United Way’s charitable efforts and has donated up to US$13.8 million in 2009.
In keeping with its mandate to aid in educating America, Target has made it possible for American families to explore the arts and craft landscape in the US. Through Target’s efforts and direct donations, American families can visit various Art Museums across the country at reduced admission rates or by virtue of free admission on designated days each week. Moreover, 2,2000 performances are available to American families either for free or reduced admission as a result of Target’s sponsorship.
In partnership with Feeding America, Target has donated a significant number of food items, personal products and household items to over 193 of Feeding America’s bases all over the US. In addition to these kinds of social services and education support programs, Target has also been active in the crisis relief efforts in the US. This is accomplished by partnering with community agencies for lending aid to those who are affected by crises.
Again Target’s primary method of aid is in the form of donations. In times of crises, Target donates cash as well as products and relief aid kits for those who have been affected by a crisis. In this regard, Target partners with the American Red Cross, Feeding America and the Salvation Army and donates annually and on a case-by-case basis. Target’s most notable crises relief efforts are the Southern Minnesota Flooding, Tennessee Flooding, Flood-Relief Efforts and Haiti Earthquake.
Target’s community outreach program also extends to US military and veteran services. In this regard, Target has partnered with the military and veteran services, particularly those factions that have assisted in the focus areas of Target’s community outreach programs. In other words, Target partners with the US military and its veterans to offer mutual assistance to one another. In this regard, Target partners with the US military for a reading program that helps military families remain connected with their families by facilitating reading programs where parents abroad can read to their children at home by DVD. Target also supports Civic Enterprises which is aimed at conducting research on veterans and their needs upon return from battle. Read More