Target may be a store America loves, but now the mega-store is showing it loves America. This holiday season, Target shoppers can buy gifts for their loved ones that will benefit families in need thanks to Target’s partnership with the Salvation Army. Target will donate more than $1.25 million to the Salvation Army – and struggling Americans – this holiday.
"Sharing a common goal; Target and the Salvation Army are working together to help make this holiday season special for families in need across the country," said Laysha Ward, president of community relations for Target.
Target and the Salvation Army will also partner with Hasbro for a special holiday promotion. When shoppers buy Hasbro toys exclusively at Target, 5 percent of the purchase price will go directly to the Salvation Army. The promotional toys range from classic games like Guess Who and Life to hot new items – and shoppers can feel good that these gifts will keep on giving. Ward calls this year’s partnership with Hasbro and the Salvation Army a "win-win" situation for everyone.
Additionally, Target stores will work closely with their local Salvation Army branches. Target will make donations of toys and gift cards totaling $300,000 for local toy drives, and they will facilitate donations with a Salvation Army wish list on their website to suggest much-needed donations to online shoppers. Moreover, a new Target To-Go program will provide contest winners in select Target stores with gift cards that Target will match dollar for dollar with donations to the Salvation Army.
"Target’s strong commitment to local communities and their support in helping the Salvation Army provide assistance to families across the country has allowed our organization to expand its capacity," says Major George Hood, national community relations secretary of the Salvation Army.
The holiday support is part of Target’s continued partnership with the Salvation Army, which includes grants to local chapters and in-kind donations to help those in need. This partnership may be proving more important now than ever as the Salvation Army happily reports they are on track with their funding goals in spite of the economic chill this season.
I’m glad that Target is doing this. It will do the Salvation Army, an organization that has really needed it, a lot of good. More companies should catch on that giving to others, in reality, gives them more.