13 August 2013

This summer, more than 12,000 students in need will have the opportunity to visit and shop Target stores for school supplies, clothing and other must-have necessities just in time for back-to-school. The Target School Spree will help kids, selected by The Salvation Army, from across the country gear up for the 2013 academic year. Each child will receive an $81 Target GiftCard to purchase much-needed school clothing and supplies.

In the Northwest Division, twelve Target stores are hosting kids from Salvation Army programs in the Back-to-School Shopping Spree. Kids (grades K – 12) are selected by The Salvation Army, using State and Federal guidelines to assess need. Shopping begins at 9am on August 14, at the following stores:

• Anacortes – 199 Cascade Mall Drive, Burlington, 98233
• Bellevue – 4053 Factoria Square Mall SE, 98006
• Federal Way – 2201 S. Commons, 98003
• Kalispell, MT – 2365 US Highway 93 N, 59901
• Lacey – 665 Sleater Kinney Road SE, 98503
• Lake Stevens – 9601 Market Place, 98258
• Puyallup – 3310 South Meridian, 98373
• Renton – 1215 N. Landing Way, 98057
• Seattle – 302 NE Northgate Way, 98125
• Tri-Cities – 2941 Queensgate Drive, Richland, 99352
• Vancouver – 8801 NE Hazel Dell Avenue, 98665
• Wenatchee – 1102 Springwater Street, 98801

“As part of our $1 billion commitment to education, Target is excited partner with The Salvation Army on the Target School Spree again in 2013,” said Laysha Ward, President, Community Relations, Target. “The program provides thousands of students in need with back-to-school supplies that will help them start a new year on the right foot.”

As part the Target School Spree program, Target has awarded The Salvation Army nationwide $1 million to cover Target GiftCards and transportation costs.  Recipients of the gift card shopping sprees were identified from the hundreds of youth programs the Army operates across the country. Each $81 Target GiftCard will provide a child with the supplies needed for the new school year. 

“New supplies, including pencils, paper, notebooks and clothing, provide students with a fresh and positive start to the school year,” said Major Ron Busroe, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. “This marks the fifth year that Target and The Salvation Army are working together to  make  sure thousands of students in need throughout the country are equipped with new back-to-school supplies.” 

Nearly 500 Target stores will participate in the Target School Spree event this summer. All participants will be paired with a volunteer chaperone for their fun day of back-to-school shopping.  All participants will be given a reusable Target shopping bag and be paired with a volunteer chaperone for their fun day of back-to-school shopping.