Target Awards $14.9 Million to Schools Nationwide

Target's Take Charge of Education(R) school fundraising initiative has provided $14.9 million in funding to schools nationwide. Donated to schools twice a year, the undesignated funds can be used for whatever schools need most, from books and school supplies to classroom technology, artist-in-residence programs and extracurricular activities. As the program continues its 11th year, Take Charge of Education has donated more than $246 million to more than 100,000 schools nationwide - 75 percent of the nation's K-12 schools.

"Take Charge of Education allows Target to continue its commitment to furthering educational opportunities and impacting the learning experiences of students across the country," said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. "Giving back to communities is important to Target and this program allows our team members to create meaningful relationships with their local schools, while also inviting guests to help us make a real difference every day."

Take Charge of Education allows Target guests to easily designate an eligible K-12 school of their choice and have Target donate an amount equal to one percent of their REDcard(SM) (Target(R) Visa(R) Credit Card, Target Credit Card(SM) and Target Check Card(SM)) purchases made at Target and Target.com*. In addition, Target also donates 0.5 percent of Target Visa Credit Card purchases made everywhere else Visa credit cards are accepted.

"Children learn in a lot of different ways. Some prefer reading from books, while others need hands-on instruction to help things take shape in their minds. But coming up with lessons that offer something for everyone takes time, that's why our school uses Take Charge of Education funds to hire substitutes so we teachers can have planning days," said Ms. Ramsey, teacher at Canyon Creek Elementary in Richardson, Texas. "We like to work together on lesson plans. We bounce ideas off each other and come up with some really great things."

Cardholders and school representatives can visit www.Target.com/tcoe or call 1-800-316-6142 to enroll, select a school or check the status of payouts.