PRESS RELEASE
Youth Shop with Police Officers During 'Target School Spree'
August 11, 2009 – This morning 200 children entering grades K – 6 shopped for back-to-school clothing and supplies at seven Twin Cities metro area Target stores as part of the company’s “Target School Spree” event.
Each child picked out $100 worth of shirts, shoes, pants, art supplies and more with the help of a law enforcement officer or volunteer. To view photos of the event, click here.
Among the officers was Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan, who helped a five-year-old boy named Raymond shop at the Target in downtown Minneapolis.
“I think this is great – Raymond and I are having a really good time,” said Dolan, as Raymond perused shirts while sitting inside the shopping cart.
Target School Spree is important because the children it serves come from families that cannot afford back-to-school supplies. In addition, the program shows children that police officers are good people – many of the kids live in crime-ridden neighborhoods and view police officers as adversaries.
Target School Spree took place in 10 U.S. markets served by The Salvation Army. In each market, Target gave The Salvation Army a $25,000 grant to pay for $20,000 worth of Target GiftCards and $5,000 to cover transportation. More than 80 Target stores across the country participated, including those in Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Miami, New York, Baltimore/Washington, D.C., and Seattle.
The Salvation Army serves more than 200,000 people in the Twin Cities and is a safety net for those with no place to turn. It serves 2,100 hot meals a day and houses more than 850 people every night.
To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
