Target's Letter to Vets
We want
to apologize for any misunderstanding regarding Target's support of the Vietnam
Wall and our corporate giving program. Giving
back to the communities where our stores are located is something we're proud
to do. In fact, nationwide, Target
Corporation gives back more than $2 million a week to the communities where
we operate stores.
In March
of 2002, a Howard County veteran approached one of our stores in his home state
of Indiana seeking a $100 cash donation to support a display of the
"moving wall." However,
stores are not able to give cash contributions to any organization.
Contributions from stores are limited and are made in the form of a gift
card.
Our
corporate giving program that does incorporate cash donations is handled
through a process called grants.
Unfortunately, the veteran and his organization were not provided the
proper information to facilitate consideration of a grant from either the store
or our corporate office. We are truly
sorry for the manner in which this was handled and the resulting confusion that
has taken place.
We accept
all applications for grants from February 1 to July 31. Any guest can request a grants application
brochure, called "Grant Guidelines," at their local store, or access
a grant application at: http://target.com/target_group/community_giving/grant_guidelines.jhtml.
Target
appreciates the dedication and service of all our veterans and has previously
funded projects benefiting veterans. Target Corporation will be one of the
sponsors of the 2003 tour of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund's outreach
initiative, The Wall That Heals.
Thank you
again for your comments.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
Hanson
Group
Team Leader
Guest
Relations