Target shows heart with school initiative

As part of the Target Volunteers School Library Makeover program, a total of 16 schools across the country, including Dallas Independent School District’s Roger Q. Mills Elementary School, Broadmoor Elementary in Miami and P.S. 76. The Bennington School in Bennington, N.Y., were awarded with a complete library makeover, featuring 2,000 new books, technology, paint, lighting, carpet, shelving, customized wall art and murals, as well as reading corners. Every student walked away with seven new books as well.

The upgraded libraries are equipped with eco-friendly design elements, such as new green certified furniture, to new resources and added technologies, including computers.

“Thanks to Target and The Heart of America Foundation, our students now have a wonderful space and the necessary tools to keep them engaged and passionate about learning,” said Linda Klein, principal, Broadmoor Elementary. “We’re honored to have been chosen for this amazing program. Our students are thrilled to have such a beautiful learning space, new technology and thousands of new books that they truly deserve.”

The school-selection criteria included the percentage of low-income children and overall need for library improvement. The unveilings are scheduled to take place throughout September and October.

The school library makeover was led by local Target Volunteers who contributed their time and talent to the project. In addition, the Target Property Development team provided specialized business knowledge through a variety of unique pro bono services, which included leveraging their design, construction and project-management expertise to help with the significant updates to the libraries.

In addition, this year more than 1,600 Target stores and distribution centers nationwide were involved in the program-- providing a $500 book award to a local school.