As families across the country prepare for a new school year, Target is working with local nonprofit organizations to help students arrive with something every child deserves: the tools — and confidence — to begin ready to learn.
The retailer is hosting back-to-school shopping events in 20 U.S. communities throughout July and August, connecting participating students with school supplies and other essentials.
Each participating student receives a $100 Target gift card for back-to-school essentials, along with a Champion backpack, Yoobi school supplies, a Target water bottle and snacks.
The events stretch across the country, from Atlanta and Honolulu to Phoenix, Houston, Los Angeles and Chicago. Events took place Aug. 11 in Chicago and Milwaukee and Aug. 12 in Charlotte, Denver, Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, and Washington. Philadelphia’s event is scheduled for Aug. 13, followed by Baltimore on Aug. 19 and New York City on Aug. 25.
For Target, the effort is also an example of how partnerships between businesses and community organizations can address practical needs close to home.
“As the daughter of an educator, I know how much it matters for a student to begin the school year feeling prepared and ready to learn,” Kiera Fernandez, Target’s executive vice president and chief community and stakeholder engagement officer, said in the company’s fact sheet.
Target said the shopping events are part of its broader community investments through philanthropy, employee volunteerism and nonprofit partnerships. The company has set an annual goal of 1 million volunteer hours and says it has a longstanding commitment to giving 5% of its profits to communities through products, cash and the Target Foundation.
Beyond the backpacks and supplies, efforts like these can have a more personal impact. A student walking into a classroom prepared has one less obstacle competing for attention — and a visible reminder that people in the community are invested in that student’s success.
That spirit of people and organizations working together is what makes the initiative especially meaningful to Heartitude.
“Helping a child start the school year prepared is about more than backpacks and supplies — it’s about giving them confidence and letting them know their community believes in their future,” said Bruce Petillo, founder of Heartitude. “When businesses, nonprofits and volunteers come together around that simple purpose, generosity becomes opportunity and a child gets a stronger start.”
For families receiving the assistance, a backpack filled with supplies may be practical. But what it represents can be bigger: a community helping a young person walk through the classroom door knowing they are supported.