Program Provides Decorated Trees to Families

December 16, 2009

Redlands Daily Facts - RedlandsDailyFacts.com
Staff Writer

From Dec. 18 through Dec. 22, Target stores will partner with United Ways across the country to donate 3,400 decorated Christmas trees to families in need.

In the Inland Empire, United Way staff and volunteers will distribute trees to families in need through community partners including shelters, community centers and child-care programs.

The trees will go to families in Redlands and other Inland Empire communities.

This is the 19th consecutive year for the Target Share-a-Tree program.

"The holidays will be merry for many local children and families," said Stuart Haniff, Inland Empire United Way's director of resource development. "In partnership with our local Target stores, our staff and volunteers will distribute 24 decorated holiday trees from the Target Share-a-Tree Program to various partners and families in need in our community."

"As volunteer board co-chair and Target employee, I'm proud to be part of this heartfelt effort and partnership between United Way and Target," said Carolyn Villerreal of Target Distribution Center - T553. "This holiday season, the joyful tradition of a decorated tree will be brought to so many deserving children and families in our community thanks to Target and your local United Way."

"United Way is proud to partner with Target throughout the year, especially during this season of giving," said Brian Gallagher, United Way Worldwide president and CEO. "Last year, Target and its team members pledged more than $13.5 million through the United Way campaign. This generosity, combined with creative community programs like Target Share-a-Tree, is a testament to Target and its employees' commitment to improving lives. We are delighted to join Target in spreading joy to children and families across the country."

"The holiday season creates an added challenge for families who are struggling to meet their basic needs," said Laysha Ward, president of Target Community Relations and Target Foundation. "Through our ongoing partnership with United Way, we are honored to help these families continue their holiday traditions."

Inland Empire United Way (IEUW) is a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with local community leaders, businesses, government agencies, other nonprofits and individuals to build a stronger, healthier community.

The IEUW service area covers portions of San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Riverside and Imperial counties. For more information, visit www.ieuw.org.

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