NEWS - The Heart of America Foundation®

The Gift of Joy

The Heart of America Foundation® — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:28:26 +0000

In the spirit of the season, we thank each of you who have helped us give the gift of joy to children across the country.

The Gift of Joy.

Show Your Heart: Give to the Max

em em DESIGN — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 23:29:56 +0000

When The Heart of America Foundation® began, young role models active in its “Ambassadors” youth program visited schools with motivational presentations to inspire students to serve their communities. With these visits, one thing quickly became apparent: the dire need for high-quality books and educational resources in schools in the greater DC area and all across our country.

The Heart of America Foundation now leads two vital education programs, both focused on high-need elementary schools in which more than 50% of children receive free and reduced-price meals. While engaging volunteers, students, families and the school community in a joint rebuilding process to inspire a love of reading, the Books From The Heart® Program replenishes school, classroom and home libraries—over 2.3 million books to date, with a value in excess of $10 million.

The READesign® Library Makeover Program brings students, families, and volunteers together to give school libraries and reading spaces in under-resourced communities a much-needed makeover, complete with artwork, furniture, technology, and 1,000-2,000 books; an additional five to seven books go home with each student so that the idea of a home library takes root. Thanks to supporters like you, by the end of 2011, HOA will have completed over 100 new READesign® Library Makeover and Reading Corner projects.

You can help bring new books and a new library—and with them a new heart—to a school near you. Join us, show your heart and GIVE TO THE MAX on November 9th, 2011 during 24 incredible hours of giving.

Target School Library Makeover Live from Oakland, CA

The Heart of America Foundation® — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:49:04 +0000

We’re live from Oakland, CA on our livestream channel. See the unveiling of our new Target School Library Makeover at Laurel Elementary School.

www.livestream.com/heartofamerica

Target Announces 2011 School Library Makeover Program

The Heart of America Foundation® — Tue, 24 May 2011 22:52:12 +0000

School Principals, Elected Officials and Education Experts Join Together to Discuss Program and Important Role Reading Proficiency Plays on the Path to Graduation

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 24, 2011) – Today, Target Corp.^®(NYSE:TGT) announced 42 new schools from across the country that will receive a new library as part of the 2011 Target School Library Makeover program. Education experts and advocates such as Alma Powell of the America’s Promise Alliance and Sir Ken Robinson, along with elected officials including, Congressman John Kline, Chairman of the Education and the Workforce Committee and Congressman Gene Green (TX-29), were invited to celebrate this announcement with the principals at the Library of Congress. Additionally, principals from among the 42 elementary schools participated in a Principal Summit, led by Ralph Smith of The Annie E. Casey Foundation. The summit was designed to inspire school leaders, provide best practices for cultivating reading skills by using their new libraries, and explore how educators approach literacy strategies.

“In order to give our students a competitive advantage and ensure our country remains globally competitive, it is critical for us to invest in education,” said Congressman Kline, Chairman of the Education and the Workforce Committee. “By funding programs that promote reading, Target is doing its part to build a foundation for students and give them the tools to prepare them for college, a career and life. I am honored to join educators from across the country to commemorate the kick-off of the 2011 Target School Library Makeover season.”

The Target School Library Makeover program leverages Target’s world-class design and construction expertise, along with the products and services of local and national vendors, to transform elementary school libraries nationwide. Each of the 42 library makeovers will feature a complete renovation, which includes light construction, eco-friendly design elements and technology upgrades.

New furniture, carpet, shelves and 2,000 books will also be included in the new spaces, and every student and his or her siblings will receive seven new books to add to their own at-home collections.

“Research shows that a child’s ability to read by the end of third grade is a pivotal point in his or her academic career. A recent study confirmed that children who cannot read proficiently by the third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school than those who can,” said Ralph Smith, The Annie E. Casey Foundation. “With staggering statistics such as this, it is critical for organizations and individuals alike to work together to help build a nation of readers. Target’s commitment to this cause through programs such as Target School Library Makeovers is an example of how we can help students succeed by giving them the resources they need.”

The Target School Library Makeover program, a partnership with The Heart of America Foundation, is just one example of how Target is making an impact in local communities and helping to foster a love of reading among children nationwide. By designing inspiring spaces where students can learn, and putting more books into their hands, the company hopes to reinforce the important role reading plays in shaping a child’s future. Through programs like this one, Target is on track to reach a total of $1 billion in giving to education, with a focus on reading, by the end of 2015.

“Education is at the heart of our giving and we are compelled to do more to address the crisis in America and ensure our students are reaching critical milestones on the path to graduation, including the ability to read proficiently by the end of third grade,” said Laysha Ward, president of community relations, Target and Target Foundation. “For this reason, we are kicking off our 2011 Target School Library Makeover season by providing a platform where principals can learn from one another and discuss ways to improve reading proficiency rates in our country. By creating a community among educators, in addition to giving our students the tools and resources they need to succeed, we are hoping to extend the impact of our program and help create a positive change for our future leaders.”

Knowing that hunger greatly affects a child’s ability to learn and focus in the classroom, Target will also incorporate a Target Meals for Minds^SMschool-based food pantry site as part of each school’s renovation process. The food pantries will allow all students and families at each of the 42 schools to choose from a variety of food staples and fresh produce to take home.

“In partnering with Target, we are able to further leverage our resources to create an even larger impact on schools and students across the country,” said Angie Halamandaris, president and co-founder of The Heart of America Foundation. “By hosting this event at the Library of Congress and inviting all 42 principals as well as education leaders, Target is helping to bring national awareness to a critical issue – the importance of reading. We are honored to be a part of this program and have a helping hand in creating an inspiring space where students can foster a love of learning.”

The majority of the newly renovated library unveilings are scheduled to take place from August to November.

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,755 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. In addition, the company operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary credit card products. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/hereforgood.

Libraries Dedicated In Oprah’s Honor

The Heart of America Foundation® — Tue, 24 May 2011 01:07:13 +0000

Excited students enter their new library.

It is with great pleasure that we (The Heart of America Foundation®) acknowledge Oprah’s 25 years of service and her innumerous accomplishments with the unveiling of the revitalized school library at the New Orleans KIPP Believe College Prep campus. This library is the first of 25 elementary school libraries that Target and The Heart of America Foundation® will makeover in Oprah’s honor this year. Together, we are turning dreary and dilapidated facilities into compelling places of learning that encourage the love of reading essential to learning. Click here to learn more about our library makeover program.

See those who helped with Oprah’s Farewell Special.

Students are happy to receive new laptops and Kindles in their new library.

www.heartofamerica.org

Oprah’s Farewell Spectacular

The Heart of America Foundation® — Tue, 24 May 2011 00:59:52 +0000

Oprah’s Farewell Spectacular, Part 1

Surprise, Oprah! Hollywood’s biggest stars, living legends and loyal viewers share what The Oprah Show has meant to them.

The Oprah Winfrey Show | May 23, 2011

…Celebrities aren’t the only ones who have surprises in store for Oprah. The United Center audience brought along some of their “favorite things” to present to the guest of honor. Every person in attendance bought at least one children’s book, which will be used to stock empty library shelves at KIPP Believe College Prep in New Orleans. This school lost all its books during Hurricane Katrina, and when a tornado came through two years later and ripped out an entire wall, the repairs used up the school’s library funds, leaving no money for books.

Of course, literacy is an issue close to Oprah’s heart. Back in 1986, Tom Hanks says, no one would have guessed that a daytime talk show could inspire people to read, but The Oprah Show did just that. It’s been estimated that Oprah’s Book Club has helped sell 30 million books.

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Star-Studded-Moments-from-Oprahs-Surprise-Farewell-Part-1/9

…Grammy-winning artist John Legend joins the party from New Orleans, where he’s on location at KIPP Believe College Prep with students and their families. “Oprah, this school library desperately needed a little Oprah Show makeover love. So over the past several weeks it has been rebuilt in your honor,” John says.

To complete the makeover, more than 100 Target team members worked around the clock, filling the shelves with 2,000 brand new books and installing dozens of new computers, an interactive whiteboard and a state-of-the-art system to keep track of all the titles. Inspirational artwork was added to the walls, and now, there’s even a “chill zone” where students can kick back and read.

But that’s not all! In honor of Oprah’s historic 25 seasons, Target and The Heart of America Foundation are planning to rebuild 25 additional school libraries across the country.

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Star-Studded-Moments-from-Oprahs-Surprise-Farewell-Part-1/10

(Original links at www.oprah.com)

‘Waiting for Superman’ Student Anthony Black Speaks About Education Experience

The Heart of America Foundation® — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:34:35 +0000

Anthony Black, now on the Honor Roll in the 7th grade at the SEED School in Washington DC, shares his experience with the education system on Fox News5. Anthony was awarded the DC Heroes of the Heart® Award from The Heart of America Foundation® at the 2011 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service for his volunteerism.

‘Waiting for Superman’ Student Anthony Black Speaks About Education Experience

Updated: Monday, 14 Feb 2011, 11:35 AM EST
Published : Monday, 14 Feb 2011, 11:35 AM EST

The documentary “Waiting for Superman” is about the education crisis in America.

One of the students featured in the film is Anthony Black a student at the seed school of Washington.

Anthony and his grandmother Gloria joined us to talk about their experience with the education system.

Original link: http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/mornings/waiting-for-superman-student-anthony-black-speaks-about-education-experience-021411

http://www.myfoxdc.com/video/videoplayer.swf?dppversion=7885

‘Waiting for Superman’ Student Anthony Black Speaks About Education Experience: MyFoxDC.com

Dallas School To Receive New Library Thanks To Target, The Heart of America Foundation and the NFL Players Association

The Heart of America Foundation® — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:22:57 +0000

NFL players will support Target’s commitment to education by joining hundreds of volunteers at the unveiling celebration

Scott Turner, former NFL player, reads to students at George Peabody Elementary in Dallas, TX before library renovations begin

MINNEAPOLIS (Jan. 26, 2011) /PRNewswire/ — The George Peabody Elementary School community, along with Target® (NYSE:TGT), The Heart of America Foundation® and the NFL Players Association, will celebrate the school’s newly renovated library on Feb. 2 – just in time for Super Bowl XLV.

As part of the national Target School Library Makeover program and the NFL Players Association Day of Service, hundreds of volunteers and several current and former NFL players including, Dez Bryant, Chris Gronkowski, Dan Gronkowski, Rob Gronkowski, Chris Draft, John Booty, Nolan Harrison III, Ken Harvey, Dennis Ransom and Scott Turner* will be on-hand to put the finishing touches on the new space. The redesigned library will feature a larger space, 2,000 new books, eco-friendly design elements and a complete technology upgrade. Each student will also receive seven books to take home as part of the event, along with another seven books for each of his or her siblings. This program is part of Target’s commitment to education and plans to donate more than $500 million by the end of 2015 to education, with a focus on helping U.S. children read proficiently.

“Reading is incredibly important to the future success of a child. This library will help to transform the way we teach – providing us with the resources to instill a love of learning and reading in our students,” said Dee Anne Egan, principal of George Peabody Elementary. “Thanks to Target, The Heart of America Foundation and the NFL Players Association, we now have an inspiring place to explore books together.”

In addition to the library makeover, Target will support George Peabody Elementary School and the Dallas Independent School District in two other ways. The first involves a donation of $150,000 to the school district’s Partners in Reading program.

The second involves a grant to the North Texas Food Bank, a Feeding America affiliate, to implement a monthly school-based food pantry site, Meals for Minds. This site will give students and families of George Peabody Elementary the opportunity to choose from a variety of staples and fresh produce to take home. Target currently supports Meals for Minds sites in 49 schools in 13 cities across the country.

“At Target, we understand that learning to read proficiently by the end of third grade is a critical step on the path to graduation, and we are dedicated to funding programs that help children in Dallas and across the nation achieve this important milestone,” said Laysha Ward, president of community relations, Target and Target Foundation. “Through the Target School Library Makeover program, our hope is to make reading fun and help kids reach their full potential by creating libraries that inspire children, teachers, parents and communities.”

Since the Target School Library Makeover program’s inception in 2007, Target has impacted more than 3,000 school libraries nationwide by awarding them with a $500 book award or a complete library makeover. Target has also distributed more than 1 million new books and donated tens of thousands of volunteer hours since the launch of the program. George Peabody Elementary will be the first recipient of this nationwide initiative in 2011.

“The library should be the heart of the school and the space that supports all of the learning that happens within the classroom,” said Angie Halamandaris, president and co-founder of The Heart of America Foundation. “By partnering with Target and the NFL Players Association on this project, we’re able to make a real difference in the lives of children by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.”

As part of the NFL Players Association Day of Service, NFL players will do their part to celebrate literacy by reading to children throughout the day. Bestselling children’s book author, R.L. Stine, will also take part in the celebration and participate in a question and answer session led by students.

“The players of the National Football League are in a unique position to serve as role models on and off the field,” said Willis Whalen, member services manager for the NFL Players Association. “By partnering with Target and The Heart of America Foundation prior to Super Bowl XLV, our players are able to give back to the greater Dallas community and help build a brighter future for children who need it most.”

The Target School Library Makeover program is one way Target is helping to address the education crisis in America and put more kids on the path to graduation. Target plans to announce the remainder of its 2011 Target School Library Makeover recipients later this spring.

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,752 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. Target is committed to providing a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to unique and highly differentiated products at affordable prices. Since 1946, the corporation has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs, like Take Charge of Education. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/hereforgood. For more information, visitTarget.com/Pressroom

About The Heart of America Foundation

The Heart of America Foundation (www.heartofamerica.org), a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., uniquely combines volunteerism and literacy. The organization’s focus is to provide children in-need with the tools to read, succeed and make a difference. The Heart of America Foundation puts books into the hands of children who need them the most, while transforming school libraries in underserved communities into vital and vibrant centers of learning that become the heart of the schools.

Since 1997, the organization has provided children living in poverty with over 2 million library and take-home books, and has engaged volunteers in more than 1 million hours of service to the community.

About National Football League Players Association

The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is a non-profit, professional sports union that protects the best interests and welfare of all NFL Players. It serves as the exclusive bargaining agent for all NFL players in collective bargaining. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA is governed by a Board of Player Representatives, acting in accordance with the NFLPA Constitution and federal labor laws. The NFLPA’s responsibilities include: Representing all players in matters concerning wages, hours and working conditions and protecting their rights as professional football players; Assuring that the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement are met; Negotiating and monitoring retirement and insurance benefits; Providing other member services and activities; Providing assistance to charitable and community organizations; Enhancing and defending the image of players and their profession, on and off the field. For more information, visit http://www.nflplayers.com.

*Player names subject to change

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Original link: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/target/48169/

Cedar Creek sixth grader wins national award

The Heart of America Foundation® — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 21:01:21 +0000

Tuesday, Jan. 11 2011

The Heart of America Foundation has announced that Alexander Wood, a sixth grader at Cedar Creek Elementary, has be named the first place winner of the 2010 Gee Whiz Kids Award.

The Gee Whiz Kids Award is given to students age 12 and under who exemplify the value of service in America. Wood will be featured on The Heart of America Foundation’s website at www.heartofamerica.org, receive an award certificate and a $250 educational scholarship donated by Marilyn Perlyn, author, and Amanda Perlyn, illustrator, of “The Biggest and Brightest Light,” a children’s story that aims to give children a real understanding of the feelings that come from giving.

When Wood was 4-years-old, he learned about a program in Haiti that serves nutritious meals in schools to ensure that children receive at least one healthy meal a day.

When he learned that not all children could afford to attend school, he told his mom that he wanted to raise money for the program by selling lemonade. His family pulled together, helped him set up a lemonade stand and held a garage sale.

By the end of the day, the family had raised $200 for Haitian relief.

In 2009, Wood decided to open Clean Hands Bakery. After researching different non-profits, he decided that all proceeds from bake goods sales would support Heifer International, an organization that strives to end world hunger and poverty through providing a sustainable source of food and income.

He registered Clean Hands Bakery with the state of Missouri, started a blog and website for people who wanted to order items online and created a Heifer Team to promote sales.

So far, through the sale of loaves and cookies, he has raised over $3,500.

For more information about Clean Hands Bakery or how you can donate, go to www.cleanhandsbakery.com

Original link: http://www.lsjournal.com/2011/01/11/61626/cedar-creek-sixth-grader-wins.html

NFL, NATIONAL AND LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS HOST SUPER BOWL XLV COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS IN NORTH TEXAS

The Heart of America Foundation® — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:57:55 +0000

Super Bowl XLV Community Outreach Programs

By National Football League

NFL, NATIONAL AND LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS HOST
MORE THAN 50 SUPER BOWL XLV COMMUNITY
OUTREACH PROGRAMS IN NORTH TEXAS

Super Bowl XLV brings much more than football to North Texas. Throughout the weeks preceding the game, more than 50 charitable activities and community outreach programs will enliven and enrich the community and provide lasting legacies.

Super Bowl Week activities will also include the announcement of the annual Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, the inaugural presentation of the Don Shula NFL Coach of the Year Award, and a celebration of the positive impact of the Super Bowl Legacy Grant with the opening of a new Youth Education Town.

The following are just some of the ways the NFL and Super Bowl XLV will benefit the host community:

TARGET – HEART OF AMERICA – READESIGN LIBRARY MAKEOVER

Current and former NFL players, sponsors and volunteers will join the NFLPA, Target and The Heart of America Foundation to renovate and revitalize libraries in an effort to encourage children to take advantage of their library resources and to inspire reading and service learning at George Peabody Elementary (3101 Raydell Place, Dallas), onWednesday, Feb. 2 from 1:00- 4:30 p.m.

Original story at: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81daec29/article/super-bowl-xlv-community-outreach-programs