Tables sparse of food are perhaps most unsettling during the holidays. At a time when most families feast in abundance, others are poignantly reminded of their daily struggle to put food on the table.

That’s why a Target gift of Thanksgiving dinner to 350 families in need was as much a gift of hope as it was a gift of food.

More than 150 Target team members bagged nearly 11,000 pounds of food and delivered the goods to families who regularly visit Branch I food shelf – engaging in a day-long volunteer opportunity that took months of collaborative planning between the corporation and Catholic Charities. It was the third year team members donated the food and volunteered their time.

“Target is committed to giving back to the communities where our team members live and work. This event is one great example of this philosophy,” said Rob Hurda, member of the Target Volunteer Council and event co-planner. “All the meal recipients were very grateful, and many gave thank you notes. One was especially touching, reading simply, ‘You bring rainbows into the darkness.’ That note alone made the day special for all of us.”

United in a team-building activity, Target team members came to a better understanding of the poverty that exists within our own community – and of the difference one bag of food can make. Forever engrained in the employees’ memories is the joy of neighbors who gave thanks that their holiday table would no longer be bare.

“This is a special event that brings Target team members to the communities we serve, and we are excited to continue our partnership with Catholic Charities next year,” said Hurda.

Volunteer This Holiday Season
Experience for yourself the joy of helping others this holiday season. Several of Catholic Charities' programs are still in need of volunteers to provide and serve meals on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Click here to see how you can help those in need this holiday season.