Last week, Target and The Heart of America Foundation unveiled a state-of-the-art library and Target Meals for Minds food pantry at L.K. Hall Elementary School in Dallas. As part of the 2012 Target School LibraryMakeover program, which includes plans to give more than $12 million to support education, the retailer will unveil new libraries at a total of 32 in-need elementary schools across the country. In addition, Target will award $15,000 reading grants to four Dallas schools that previously received library makeovers.
“The new library and food pantry are amazing gifts for our school and our students,” said Zack Cazares, principal, L.K. Hall Elementary School. “Thanks to Target and The Heart of America Foundation, our students have the resources they need to feel inspired and ready to learn when they walk through our school doors.”
The new library at L.K. Hall Elementary School features 2,000 new books, furniture, carpet and shelves, and a complete technology upgradeincluding new iPads. The program also provides seven books for each student to take home following the unveiling celebration.
“At Target, we understand that a quality education is integral to the success of a child’s future,” said Laysha Ward, president of community relations, Target. “Through the Target School Library Makeover program, we aim to pave a path to graduation for more U.S. students by equipping them with the resources they need to excel in the classroom and beyond.”
In an effort to combat hunger and its impact on learning, the Target Meals for Mind food pantry will provide monthly distributions of fresh produce and staple foods to students and their families. The food pantry is made possible through a partnership with North Texas Food Bank.
“Since 2007, our partnership with the Target School Library Makeover program has helped to turn more than 100 dilapidated libraries into vibrant centers of learning,” said Angie Halamandaris, president and co-founder of The Heart of America Foundation. “This year, we are proud to continue our partnership with Target. By revitalizing/transforming 32 school libraries across the country we are helping to create new spaces that inspire students, parents and community members to love reading.”
Through programs like this, Target is on track to give $1 billion for education, with a focus on reading, by the end of 2015.
Target’s commitment to the Dallas-Fort Worth community extends beyond the Target School Library Makeover program. In 2011, Target contributed more than $2 million to support the Dallas-Fort Worth community. Target’s support included funding programs and initiatives such as Target School Library Makeovers, Target Field Trip Grants and Take Charge of Education.
