When we asked our Twitter followers to tweet about what they do to spread holiday cheer as part of our #MyKindofHoliday campaign, they had no idea that some of their inspirational ideas would soon be coming to life in a big way. But that’s just what happened as our Target teams gathered up the responses, then moved quickly to create magical moments in cities across the U.S.

Here’s how the surprises unfolded:

Trees for free
We loved an idea inspired by followers @cmper5 and @stephanienola, who told us they volunteer their time to bring others a little joy, and that decorating the tree is one of the most special holiday activities. We combined their thoughts to create our first surprise, which took place on Dec. 10 in chilly downtown Chicago. There, Target bought out an entire Christmas tree lot and distributed the trees for free, along with festive ornaments, to shocked families who had shown up expecting to buy their holiday décor.

Mascots team up for holiday tales
When @Florasprout23, @SurfARoni and @jesheathcoat each told us how they support kids and education by donating books, mentoring students and providing homework help, we wanted to bring an exciting reading celebration to a school near them. So on Dec. 11, Boston’s Edward Everett Elementary School got a big surprise when Bullseye the dog and Red Sox mascot Wally the Green Monster arrived to read classic Christmas stories to students. They also led a snowflake and stocking decorating activity, and each student got three new books to take home.

Just plane awesome
Follower @SwimmingO told us there’s no better feeling than knowing you’re going home. We agreed, and to bring travelers a little extra comfort on their journeys, Target gave Delta Airlines passengers on two evening flights out of Minneapolis this month their own special “upgrades.” All the passengers got free neck pillows, Target GiftCards and access to free Wi-Fi as they made their way to Portland and Los Angeles.

A very special delivery
When @MimsyYamaguchi and @Kimberredneck tweeted that they support their local food banks, we wanted to make something special happen at pantries in their area. So on Dec. 12, we partnered with the Food Bank of Houston to give 36 Houston-area food pantries a special surprise. That day, when delivery trucks arrived at each pantry, managers were shocked to find out that Target was footing the bill for the deliveries. We also provided the Food Bank of Houston with a $5,000 donation to help cover costs throughout the busy holiday season.

Making movie magic
When @Veuvefamily told us she’d paid for a stranger’s meal after meeting him in our checklane line, we were inspired to pay it forward and give others some sweet holiday goodies. On Dec. 13, Target treated 300 moviegoers at a Miami theater to bags filled with free popcorn, candy and even a theater gift card, so their next movie would be on us.

We also thanked each of the Twitter followers who inspired the surprise events with a $50 Target GiftCard to treat themselves or continue spreading cheer in their communities.

Events like these are just one way Target supports communities where we do business. All year long, we give 5 percent of our profit to communities—equaling more than $4 million each week—and team members give hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours every year.

Visit the Corporate Responsibility page to learn more about how Target supports communities where our guests and team members live and work.

Don’t miss out on the latest Target news and behind-the-scenes happenings! Subscribe to our newsletter and get the top stories from A Bullseye View delivered straight to your inbox!