About the program
Since 2009, Target has hosted Heroes & Helpers events in stores across the country, pairing local public safety partners with youth from under-resourced areas to go holiday shopping. It’s one way we bring joy to guests during the holidays, while fostering strong relationships in our communities.
“Our team members work closely with first responders all across the country to help ensure a safe shopping experience at Target,” says Justin Burns, Target’s senior vice president of assets protection. “Heroes & Helpers provides us the opportunity to create long lasting connections with those in the communities where we live and serve.”
How it works
Heroes & Helpers is a joint effort between Target, charity organizations and first responders. Local first responders (including police, fire or emergency medical service providers) partner with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in their neighborhood and apply for a grant from Target. Once approved, grant recipients receive funding through Target GiftCards to host a holiday shopping event with children living in under-resourced areas. Events are hosted in-store, with Target team members making sure the event feels extra special for the children.
Making an impact
Target Heroes & Helpers has been creating connections and bringing the joy of the season to all involved for years. Since 2009, Target has:
- Awarded more than $6 million in Heroes & Helpers grants
- Hosted more than 3,000 Heroes & Helpers events
- Welcomed more than 100,000 kids from under-resourced areas
- Partnered with more than 60,000 public safety partners
And 2024 is no exception. This year, we're continuing the tradition by:
- Awarding more than 550 Heroes & Helpers grants nationwide.
- Collaborating with public safety partners on in-store events in 45 states and the District of Columbia.
- Supporting our communities in more ways than ever. Learn more.