Unfortunately, Target has been the victim of a lengthy e-mail smear campaign since 2002, initiated by a person who didn't receive a donation that he requested. This e-mail campaign grossly misrepresents our support of veterans. Due to the nature of the Internet and e-mail communication, this false information has taken on a life of its own and been perpetuated and repeatedly modified manytimes by unknown writers. The National Veterans of Foreign Wars posted a press release on their Web site on December 6, 2002 to help clarify this issue and show their support of Target at http://www.vfw.org/news/target.htm
Target is owned by TargetCorporation, a company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota since it's founding by George Dayton in 1902. Target is not now and never has been foreign owned. Our company has supported many charitable causes throughout its history, and that includes veterans organizations. For years, Target has donated funds and volunteer hours to local and national veteran and military organizations around the country.
Charitable Giving Examples: Target displays our support of our veterans and troops on our Web site atwww.target.com. Click Community Giving, and Community Bulletin to view. Some examples of our giving include: Target is a contributor to the World War II Memorial and a sponsor of the national 2003 tour of "The Wall that Heals," a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund outreach initiative that honors our veterans and has a strong educational component for schools. For more information, please visit the Web site at http://www.vvmf.org/index.cfm?SectionID=3
In addition to supporting veteran and military organizations on a national scale, we also support local organizations, some of which include:
Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association in Jackson Heights, New York Yankee Air Force Museum in Ypsilanti, Michigan Hays County Veterans in San Marcos, Texas Kenny Nickelson Memorial Foundation for Homeless Veterans in Manhattan Beach, California
Reservist Benefits: Target Corporation is proud to count many veterans and military reservists among its more than 300,000 team members nationwide. To help support these team members, Target Corporation provides benefits for activated reservists, including pay differential, that surpass those benefits required by law. The Reserve Officers Association has recognized our company for these benefits. The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve also lists Target on their Web site at http://www.esgr.org/employers/outstandingEmployers.asp
Giving Policy: Target gives to diverse causes that reflect all types of guests in a wide variety of communities. While every cause is worthy, Target receives thousands of grant requests every year and unfortunately is unable to grant funds or partner with every organization. For more information that describes the guidelines and the application process, visit any Target store and ask for the grants brochure or go to target.com and click on "Community Giving."
Marines Toys for Tots Target has complete respect for the Toys for Tots program and all the volunteers who make this program a success every year. Target has a longstanding policy on no-solicitation by any group or organization at our stores. This policy includes the use of our store locations as collection or drop off sites for any type of activity. The only organization that we allow to solicit at our stores is the Salvation Army during the holiday season.
We appreciate the time you have taken to inquire about this issue. We wholeheartedly support our veterans and active duty personnel, and we appreciate the opportunity to personally convey our commitment to you. Please share our information with anyone who has contacted you about this issue.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Hanson Group Team Leader Target Guest Relations www.target.com