<p><strong>Minneapolis, MN</strong><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Target Corp. is announcing its plans to assist 150 elementary schools with its 2012 Target School Library Makeover program. The plans entail renovating libraries at 32 elementary schools and returning to 118 schools that have already been recipients of the Target School Library Makeover in order to provide additional reading resources for students and teachers alike, according to a press release. The campaign represents an investment of over $12 million. The initiative is part of Target’s goal to donate $1 billion for education by the end of 2015.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Laysha Ward, President, Community Relations, Target, states, “At Target, we understand that a quality education can empower and prepare children to become the leaders of tomorrow.” Ms. Ward, continues, “Through the Target School Library Makeover program and collaboration with partners, educators, parents and caring adults, Target hopes to pave a path to graduation for more U.S. children.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Target's design and construction teams, and thousands of Target team member volunteers will renovate the 32 elementary school libraries in partnership with The Heart of America Foundation. The project will leave each school with 2,000 new books, furniture, carpet and shelves, and a complete technology upgrade that includes new iPads. Each student will also get seven new books of their own. Schools will also have the option to receive a Target Meals for Minds food pantry. With the help of local Feeding America affiliates, Target will be able to assist schools in receiving monthly distributions of fresh produce and staple foods for students and their families.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Target is providing $1.5 million in reading grants to over 100 of the schools that have already been part of the program. At the remaining 18 schools, Target will be launching a literacy pilot. The schools are located in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. school districts and were selected based on comprehensive research from third-party experts. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
