Target to Sponsor 2007 National Volunteer Week

The nation’s premier volunteer recognition event has received a major supporter — Target. The retailer will be the exclusive 2007 sponsor of National Volunteer Week, a service of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network. As part of its effort to support the Foundation’s programs that recognize volunteers, Target has pledged $300,000 for National Volunteer Week, the Extra Mile Points of Light Volunteer Pathway and the National Conference on Volunteering and Service.

“We are truly delighted to join with a corporate partner that has done so much to give back to the community,” says Robert K. Goodwin, president & CEO of the Foundation and the Network. “Target’s support will provide a major boost in our efforts to recognize outstanding volunteers across the country.”

The retailer’s commitment to community is part of a legacy started in 1946, when the founding company of Target began giving five percent of its income back to the community. The same tradition of giving continued when Target opened its doors in 1962. Today, that five percent translates into $3 million each week to support education, the arts and social services.

“We are excited to join the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network in sponsoring National Volunteer Week,” says Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. “Target sees this as an extension of our corporate mission to support volunteering by recognizing outstanding volunteers and encouraging people across the country to get involved in their own communities.”

More than 70,000 Target team members, retirees, family and friends participate in volunteer initiatives every year. In all, Target volunteers donated more than 315,000 hours last year. Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,487 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today’s best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with unique design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships.