MINNEAPOLIS -- In its first donation of 2006, the Target Take Charge of Education® school fundraising program awarded a record-breaking $15.6 million to schools nationwide. Take Charge of Education dollars are donated to schools twice each year and schools can use the funds for anything they need from technology to books and school supplies to grants. Since the program began in 1997, Target has donated more than $169 million to schools nationwide.

With the Take Charge of Education school fundraising program, families, teachers and members of the community can designate an eligible K-12 school of their choice to receive an amount equal to 1 percent of their REDcard SM (Target® Visa® and Target® Card) purchases made at Target and Target.com*. Target also donates 0.5 percent of all Target Visa purchases made everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

"We are thrilled to report record-breaking numbers for our March Take Charge of Education payout," said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. "The distribution of these funds reinforces our ongoing commitment to supporting teachers and classrooms in the communities we serve."

Schools receive Take Charge of Education payout checks in March and September. Currently, more than 108,000 schools and 7 million Target guests are enrolled in the program.

Cardholders and school representatives can visit Target.com/tcoe, call 1-800-316-6142 or log on to a kiosk in any Target store to enroll, change a school designation or check school payout totals. Members of the media may contact Sarah Shamla at (952) 851-7279 to learn more about money designated for local area schools.

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,418 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 $2 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.

*Subject to Take Charge of Education program rules. Target Visa and Target Card are credit cards issued by Target National Bank, an affiliate of Target Stores. Subject to credit approval.

Editor's Note: Target welcomes the media to its stores. Please contact your local store for information about merchandise and community programs.

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