Military and Veteran Support
We Support You
For years, we’ve donated funds and volunteer hours to local and national veteran and military organizations that align with our areas of focus: education, social service and the arts. Read on to learn about the organizations, events and programs we sponsor.
Veteran’s Day 2011
On November 11, Target brought together more than 1500 team members and Mission Continues volunteers for a day of service and remembrance. Volunteering in 15 schools and 15 different cities, each team worked toward the same goal—to build an America where every returning veteran can serve again as a citizen leader, and where together we honor the fallen by living their values through service.
Target Transforms School
Libraries on Military Bases
Target School Library Makeovers were recently completed at elementary schools on bases in Norfolk, Virginia and San Diego, California. Read the story to see the results.
United Through Reading Military Program
We provide annual support to this program, which helps keep military families connected by having deployed parents read aloud to their children on DVD.
Military Child Education Coalition
Target sponsors the Military Child Education Coalition Annual Conference, where educators, senior military leaders, corporate leaders and military family members share knowledge and inspiration to support military-connected children.
Our Military Kids
Target proudly partners with Our Military Kids, providing grants to children of deployed and severely injured National Guard and Military Reserve personnel.
Civic Enterprises
Target offered program support to Civic Enterprises, which conducted groundbreaking research on veterans returning from the war, and how volunteerism can ease their transitions home.
Operation Gratitude
Volunteers from Target stores and distribution centers participate in Operation Gratitude’s annual Holiday Drive, assembling care packages for troops stationed overseas.
Veterans of Foreign Wars: Voice of Democracy
Target is a national sponsor of this $3 million scholarship competition in which students record a broadcast script based on a patriotic theme. Local VFWs judge the competition, which culminates in a Target-sponsored trip to Washington, D.C.
The American Legion
After members of Camp Keating in Afghanistan were attacked by Taliban-allied militants, Target worked with the American Legion to provide supplies and donations.
Support for Our Military
We're proud to provide extensive resources and services to Target team members with a connection to our nation’s military.
Military Service Network
This internal social network for Target team members offers outreach, resources and support to soldiers and family members before, during and after deployment.
Reservist Pay and Benefits
Target provides benefits for activated reservists that surpass those required by law—including pay differential and optional medical coverage for dependents.
Awards
2011 Navy Reserve Top Employer
The Navy Reserve named Target a top employer for Navy Reserve Sailors for our support of team members who are reservists.
2011 Top 20 Military Friendly Company
Orion International included Target on its list of Top 20 Military Friendly Companies for our holistic approach to supporting team members who serve in the military and their families.
U.S. Navy Certificate of Appreciation
During the 2010 Aquatennial celebration at Target Field, Target received the United States Navy Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Employer Support.
2010 Pro Patria Award
Target was presented with the Pro Patria Award for our support of veterans and team members in the National Guard and Reserves. This is the most prestigious award given by the Minnesota Chapter of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
2010 "Above and Beyond" Award
The Target regional distribution center in Tifton, Georgia, proudly accepted the “Above and Beyond” Award from ESGR for its outstanding support of men and women in the Georgia National Guard and Reserves.