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Target volunteers spruce up Ramona Elementary library

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Since 1946, Target has returned 5 percent of its income to the community in support of education, the arts, social services and volunteerism. Today, that amounts to about $3 million a week, and Ramona Elementary was recently on the receiving end of this commitment.

The Target Volunteers School Library Makeover Program combines Target’s focus on education, specifically early childhood reading, with the time and expertise of Target volunteers. Each school library makeover is unique, based on the school’s needs.

“Volunteerism is the heart of Target and this gave team members a chance to be actively involved in their community,” said Genevieve Diaz of Target’s Human Resources division. “Since it first opened its doors, team members, family and friends have volunteered millions of hours to community projects. The commitment is part of its legacy,”

Ramona Elementary was chosen partly because of the number of Target employees—about 70—and customers who live in Ramona and have children who attend, or have attended, the school.

“I was told that the Target/RE families approached Genevieve and asked for RE to be recognized,” said Principal Phyllis Munoz. “She said they expressed strong feelings about their support and pride in this school and felt it would be a great way to honor the history of RE.”

The makeover started with a deep cleaning.

“This was our biggest priority,” said Diaz.

Diaz met with Munoz and Phyllis Whattoff, the school’s librarian, and they came up with a list: cleaning the window blinds, which had not been cleaned in years, washing walls and vacuuming.

The next phase was beautification. Target donated items like plants, planters, rugs, a vacuum and protective computer covers to spruce up the library.

Finally, they donated school supplies. In addition, Target was instrumental in getting $500 worth of new books for the library from First Book, a nonprofit, and an LCD projector from Full Swing Golf, which also donated the wiring for and installation of the projector for the library.

“This event confirmed that I am working with the best community of parents, staff and students,” said Munoz. “Neither I nor my teachers asked for this recognition. We didn’t fill out applications or write letters. This came from the hearts of our community. They love this school and respect the work our teachers do and wanted something done that would benefit our school.

“This kindness makes the hard days melt away.And, we owe a huge thank you to Target.”

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