Grant to benefit more than 60 first grade classrooms libraries

The Houston Independent School District has received a significant donation from Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) to fund the THINK Literacy program at the Apollo 20 elementary schools in support of the district’s efforts to increase achievement in literacy.  The grant will provide books for more than 60 first-grade classroom libraries at the 11 campuses on September 4.

“At Target, we are committed to serving local communities where we do business,” said Target Community Relations President Laysha Ward.  “That’s why we are proud to partner with HISD as we work to strengthen communities and enrich the lives of our guests and team members.”

The grant will fund first-grade classroom libraries at Blackshear, Davila, Frost, Highland Heights, Isaacs, Kelso, Robinson, Scarborough, Tinsley, Walnut Bend and Young elementary schools.  Each classroom library will receive up to a hundred books thanks to this donation.

“This grant further supports our efforts to ensure all children are reading at or above grade level,” said HISD Foundation Executive Director Krista Moser.  “It will provide the children access to more books that not only empower their imagination, but teach them the skills that last a lifetime.  We are grateful for Target’s relationship with the HISD Foundation and for their commitment to literacy.”

The grant is part of Target’s ongoing efforts to build strong, safe and healthy communities across the country. These efforts include Target’s long history of giving 5 percent of its profit to communities, which today equals more than $4 million every week. As part of this commitment, Target is on track to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015 to help kids learn, schools teach and parents and caring adults engage.