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Missouri Humanities Council Receives Grants from Target Stores for READ from the START

September 15, 2011

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The Missouri Humanities Council announces a partnership with Target in recognition of the Council’s efforts to share the joy of reading and storytelling through the READ from the START program. Target stores in Jennings, Ballwin, Cape Girardeau, Florissant, O’Fallon, and Washington awarded $2000 each to be used in their communities for READ from the START.

“In today’s economy, parents are in need of programs that help them bring the joys of reading to their children,” said Julie Douglas, Missouri Humanities Council Family Program Director. “We’ve received a record number of program requests over the summer, and we’re grateful that Target’s funding will help us reach up to 40 families from each of the six communities through additional READ from the START programs.”

The READ from the START program provides a set of free books and offers training for parents of pre-school children on how to continue story exploration, through conversation and activities like crafts, songs and dramatic play. MHC partners with local organizations such as Head Start, Parents As Teachers, libraries and other organizations that serve families to present READ from the START.

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 Missouri Humanities Council 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 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.com/hereforgood.

About the Missouri Humanities Council
The Missouri Humanities Council is a 510 (c) (3) non-profit organization that was created in 1971 under authorizing legislation from the U.S. Congress to serve as one of the 56 state and territorial humanities councils that are affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities.

MHC is committed to helping build a thoughtful, informed and engaged society through programs associated with encouraging family reading, supporting local museums, libraries and other organizations promoting humanities education, facilitating the sharing of our stories and generating public conversation on topics including history, religion, archaeology, anthropology, philosophy, literature, law and languages. We help Missourians experience the connection between ideas and participatory democracy, and to expand understanding of ourselves and the world beyond our boundaries. More information about the many projects of MHC can be found on the Council website at www.mohumanities.org or by calling 1-800-357-0909.

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