Pensacola, FL August, 31, 2011 — The Friends of the Southwest Branch Library Foundation today announced a partnership with Target in recognition of its efforts in supporting the Southwest Branch of the West Florida Public Library. The funds will be used to purchase books and supplies for crafts for the preschool story time which is Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 AM except during planning time (May, August, and December).
Southwest Branch Library Manager Melanie Skaggs (left holding book) and assistant Lisa Billings (next to Melanie reading book) read ‘The Itsy Bitsy Spider’ to local preschool aged children at the weekly story time. The potted flowers on the table to the left were provided by The Friends of the Southwest Branch Library and later given to each child to celebrate Spring. Children receive name tags at each story time and special crafts geared toward a planned theme are provided by The Friends of the Southwest Branch Library once per month.Southwest Branch Library Manager Melanie Skaggs said, ‘Target’s support will give us the ability to go above and beyond with our crafts, story books, giveaways, holidays and special events; we plan a progressive theme throughout the seasons and publish a colorful calendar for the parents to use as a guideline for reading books at home. When you nourish a young child’s appetite for reading and visiting the library at an early age, it lasts throughout their growing years, hopefully, contributing to a path toward successes.
Friends of the Southwest Branch Library President Cathy Ingram said, ‘These additional funds help us greatly supplement our main income from the sales of books, audio books, and movies in our Friends Boutique and on our bargain carts. The Boutique is very popular with our patrons and especially tourists and winter visitors who look for ‘beach reads’.
This grant is part of ongoing efforts by Target to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income to communities. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million every week. “At Target, our local grants are making a difference in communities across the country,” said Laysha Ward, President, Community Relations, Target. “We’re proud to partner with The Friends of the Southwest Branch Library Foundation as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen communities where our guests and team members live and work.”
Additionally, Target also gives through signature programs that are designed to inspire learning in children and families. Programs include:
• Take Charge of Education®, a school fundraising program;
• Target School Library Makeovers, a program that provides year-round volunteer opportunities for Target team members to get involved with their local school;
• Target Field TripSM Grants, a program that helps educators bring learning to life outside the classroom through the distribution of grants;
• Target House®, serves as a home away from home for families of children receiving lifesaving treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® in Memphis. The St. Jude School Program presented by Target, is staffed with accredited teachers and helps patients stay on track academically while undergoing treatments that can last months;
• Target Volunteers, a nationwide network of Target team members, retirees, families and friends who volunteer millions of hours to community projects.
About The Friends of the Southwest Branch Library Foundation, Inc. The Friends of the Southwest Branch Library Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3, all volunteer organization whose mission is to support the Southwest Branch of the West Florida Public Library through fund raising and volunteerism. For more information about The Friends, call 850-453-7780 or visit The Friends.
About Target: Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,750 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. In addition, the company operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary credit card products. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target for Good.