Disaster relief outlays grow with Irene aid

Target last week announced the donation $250,000 in cash and product to assist with Hurricane Irene relief efforts, pushing the total amount the company has committed to domestic disaster relief to more than $1 million. The donations will be distributed among relief agencies including The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. In addition, Target is giving gift cards and 10,000 relief kits to other local, regional and national nonprofit organizations for such essentials as water and food. The kits are filled with a variety of travel-sized personal care items like soap, deodorant and toothpaste as well as non-perishable food items and bottled water.

“Target is proud to be a resource for our communities, and we’re committed to aiding those affected by Hurricane Irene in this time of need,” said Gregg Steinhafel, Target chairman, president and CEO. “Our team supports local recovery responses by volunteering and donating product and funds, in addition to making sure our stores closest to the disaster area are able to offer needed supplies.”

A total of 117 Target stores were located in areas impacted by the storm. The company said it closed those stores ahead of the stores and that most reopened within 24 hours to ensure those impacted had access to food and supplies.