Target friends Facebook for back-to-school campaign

Target is engaging Facebook to help determine how half of a $5 million back-to-school donation is allocated.



The retailer plans to donate $5 million to schools as part of its “Give With Target” initiative this fall. The two-part giving campaign provides $2.5 million in grants to in-need schools, as well as up to $2.5 million in Target GiftCards to local schools through votes on Target’s Facebook page.



The Give With Target campaign will include $25,000 grants to 100 in-need schools just in time for the start of the school year. Schools will be selected by Target and announced throughout August and four of the schools will also receive a surprise celebration. Disney Channel actress and Hollywood Records recording artist Bridgit Mendler (“Good Luck Charlie”) will join the “Bullseye Bus” and Target volunteers to celebrate with students and staff at each of the four schools receiving a celebration. Mendler’s popular TV character “Teddy Duncan” inspired part of Target’s exclusive D-Signed collection of apparel and accessories for tweens.



“I’m excited to partner with Target on their Give With Target campaign and celebrate the start of a new school year with kids across the country,” Disney star Bridgit Mendler said. “It's so important for all kids to have everything they need for a successful school year. I’m looking forward to surprising four schools and helping them celebrate their $25,000 grant from Target.”



In addition, Target invites people to visit its Facebook page to vote for a school of their choice. For every 25 votes a school receives through Target’s Facebook application on Facebook.com/Target, the company will donate a $25 Target GiftCard, with a maximum donation of $10,000 per school. In total, Target plans to donate up to $2.5 million in Target GiftCards to schools that receive votes through the Give with Target Facebook application, which runs July 26 to Sept. 8.



“Give With Target allows us to work with our guests to get excited about supporting teachers and students and set them up for a successful school year,” said Laysha Ward, president of community relations for Target. “Together we can raise awareness about the importance of education and provide schools with the resources they need.”