Statement from Target Corporation
From: Target Guest Relations
Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2002
Thank you for taking the time to contact us.
We want to apologize for any misunderstanding regarding Target's support of the Vietnam Wall and our corporate giving program. Giving back to the communities where our stores are located issomething we're proud to do. In fact, nationwide, Target Corporation gives back more than $2 million a week to the communities where we operate stores.
In March of 2002, a Howard County veteran approached one of our stores in his home state of Indiana seeking a $100 cash donation to support a display of the "moving wall." However, stores are not able to give cash contributions to any organization. Contributions from stores are limited and are made in the form of a gift card.
Our corporate giving program that does incorporate cash donations is handled through a process called grants. Unfortunately, the veteran and his organization were not provided the proper information to facilitate consideration of a grant from either the store or our corporate office. We are truly sorry for the manner in which this was handled and the resulting confusion that has taken place.
We accept all applications for grants from February 1 to July 31st. Any guest can request a grants application brochure, called "Grant Guidelines," at their local store, or access a grant application at: http://target.com/target_group/community_giving/grant_guidelines.jhtml">http://target.com/target_group/community_giving/grant_guidelines.jhtml.
Target appreciates the dedication and service of all our veterans and has previously funded projects benefiting veterans. Target Corporation will be one of the sponsors of the 2003 tour of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund's outreach initiative, The Wall That Heals. The Wall That Heals is a traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Museum that also has a strong educational component for schools and also serves to honor all our veterans.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Hanson
Group Team Leader
Guest Relations
www.target.com
See also: Updated Target Statement, Dec. 2003
