Target’s presence a welcome one

Published 12:00 am Monday, April 28, 2003

Earlier this month, Suffolkians were able to get a glimpse of the Target Distribution Center on Manning Bridge Road as the facility played host to the State of City address.

While the physical presence of Target is certainly impressive enough, it pales in comparison to the financial impact it will have on both the local economy and the pocketbooks of community organizations.

On Monday, Target hosted a breakfast attended by representatives from about 50 of Hampton Roads non-profit organizations, eager to be the beneficiaries of the company’s largess.

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Through its annual grant-giving program, Target invest 5 percent of its total pre-tax operating profit — approximately $2 million per week last year — back into the communities it serves.

And while it’s not known precisely how much of that will flow back into Suffolk, it’s certain that it will be a substantial sum, money that will benefit the entire community.

In addition to money, Target also encourages its employees to donate volunteer hours back into the community — some 320,000 hours last year — and that can be more important than money.

Target is already establishing itself as one of Suffolk’s premier corporate citizens and is setting the example for others to follow.