How One Target Team Member Inspired “The Great Giftogether” to Spread Holiday Joy in Communities
Updated: Dec 16, 2021
Target | December 9, 2021
This year, all Target stores and distribution centers are embarking on a coast-to-coast effort to get holiday gifts and essentials into the hands of families in need. It’s called The Great Giftogether, and it all started on a November day in 2020.
Ron Brown, group vice president of stores at Target, on his way home, he had something on his mind. “I spotted a woman and her children standing on a corner, asking for food and support,” Ron says. “I stopped, spoke with them and gave what I could, and I was struck by just how much members of our community had lost over the past few months.”
“A memory from my own childhood came flooding back — a man visited my beloved community and sang carols and gave every kid there a gift. I’ll never forget the impact his generosity had on me and the kids in my community,” Ron continues. “So sitting in my car that day, 30-some years later, I wanted to do something bigger for those who’ve been deeply impacted by the pandemic. And I knew exactly who could help pull it off — my incredible Target team.”
True to the caring spirit, Target got to work creating “The Great Giftogether,” partnering with local nonprofits to identify more than 1,200 families in need during the holidays and purchase gifts and essential items to make their holidays brighter. The 2020 Great Giftogether was such a hit that this year, Target’s corporate responsibility team rolled it out to every Target store and distribution center across the country, providing funds so Target teams could support their own communities and help families thrive. Team members across Target celebrate the Great Giftogether — from shopping for items to wrapping up gifts for their families. All in, Target set to serve nearly 4,000 families this holiday season.