Target Volunteers: A September to Remember

With all the help volunteers from Target Corp. gave The Salvation Army last month, it certainly was a September to remember.

On Sept. 22, more than 50 Target managers and human resources professionals from across the Midwest provided employment assistance to dozens of adults served by The Salvation Army (photos). Two days later, a group of Target volunteers spent hours painting the youth services area of the Payne Ave. Salvation Army in St. Paul (photos).

The painting effort featured about 10 Target volunteers painting the library and other rooms of the Payne Ave. Salvation Army. The group coated formerly dingy white walls in bright orange, blue and green.

“The kids will love this,” said Captain John Joyner, administrator of the facility. “Any time the children in this neighborhood see that people are investing in them, it does them a world of good.”

The project was part of a $25,000 Target Library Grant the company gave the Payne Ave. Salvation Army for renovations, computer upgrades and new furniture such as tables, chairs and bookcases.

“This grant has been a godsend,” Joyner added. “The reality is that we just don’t have funds for paint, furniture and other things. There is so much need in this community that we are having to focus all our energy on providing services, so other important projects and expenses must be put on hold. Thank goodness Target has been at our side during these difficult times.”

Target officials were happy to help. 

“At Target, we’re committed to strengthening the communities where we do business,” said Laysha Ward, president of Community Relations at Target. “In partnership with The Salvation Army, we hope these library renovations will foster a lifelong love of learning and provide a community gathering space for many years to come.”

The employment event had just as much impact. It featured Target volunteers from as far away as Nebraska and the Dakotas assisting residents of The Salvation Army’s Harbor Light and Hope Harbor facilities in Minneapolis. The volunteers offered one-on-one and small-group instruction on résumé building, how to complete an employment application, how to make a good impression during a job interview and more.  

Among the people they helped was Henry Nalls, a 51-year-old Hope Harbor resident. He is not satisfied with his part-time job and has been sending his résumé to companies for months. His past employment experience includes work in construction and as a restaurant chef.

“I’m 51 years old, so it’s not like I’m looking for a major career change,” Nalls said. “I just want a good job so I can accomplish my individual goals. The Target volunteers are a big help. They are positive and energetic. They are helping not knowing if the outcome will be good or if it will happen quickly for people like me, but they are still helping. Just the act of helping is great.”

The event was spearheaded by Larry Scheiderich, team leader of the Target store in Hutchinson. He said the project was organized to give Target workers a volunteer experience in which they could see firsthand the impact they are making. 

“To see the thankfulness in the eyes of the people we talked to today, the smile on their faces and the joy they felt, was wonderful,” he said, choking back tears, during his closing speech to volunteers.