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Target to Sponsor 2007 National Volunteer Week

Target to Sponsor 2007 National Volunteer Week

Published 02-22-07

Submitted by Points of Light

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 22, 2007 - The nation's premier volunteer recognition event has received a major supporter - Target. The retailer will be the exclusive sponsor of National Volunteer Week, a service of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network.

"We are truly delighted to join with a corporate partner that has done so much to give back to the community," says Robert Goodwin, President & CEO of the Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C. "Target’s support will provide a major boost in our efforts to recognize outstanding volunteers across the country."

National Volunteer Week, which takes place April 15-21, 2007, began in 1974 when President Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Since then, every U.S. President has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week. Governors, mayors and other elected officials also make public statements and sign proclamations in support of National Volunteer Week.

The retailer's commitment to community is part of a legacy started in 1946, when the founding company of Target began giving five percent of its income back to the community. The same tradition of giving continued when Target opened its doors in 1962. Today, that five percent translates into $3 million each week to support education, the arts and social services.

"We are excited to join the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network in sponsoring National Volunteer Week," says Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. "Target sees this as an extension of our corporate mission to support volunteering by recognizing outstanding volunteers and encouraging people across the country to get involved in their own communities."

Volunteerism is at the heart of who Target is as a company. More than 70,000 Target team members, retirees, family and friends participate in volunteer initiatives every year. In all, Target volunteers donated more than 315,000 hours last year. For more information about Target and its commitment to community, visit www.target.com/community.

The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network supports the vital work of millions of volunteers who are helping to solve serious social problems in thousands of communities nationwide. For more information about local volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-VOLUNTEER or visit www.1-800-VOLUNTEER.org.

Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,487 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives back more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.

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Points of Light

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million volunteers in 16.7 million hours of service each year, contributing $498.7 million of value in people power into communities around the world. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org

Partnering with Points of Light means you’ll have the expertise and support you need to mobilize your colleagues and create community impact using all aspects of civic engagement. We've helped companies with a variety of needs including implementing large-scale employee volunteer events, tackling your larger social impact vision, expanding how you engage communities and consumers, infusing new ideas to your annual employee engagement programs, connecting with peers to bring the latest and greatest ideas on impact measurement, and getting company leadership investment and buy-in. Learn more today.

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