As holiday shoppers filled local Target stores searching for the perfect present, Target team members celebrated the season by giving back to the community.

A group delivered gifts, played games and decorated with kids at Abode in Fremont, a United Way partner organization. Each Bay Area Target store also donated $300 worth of wish list items to benefit families served by many of the nonprofits who partner with United Way through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Samaritan House in San Mateo, one such organization, reflected on the impact of Target’s gifts.

“In 2010 Samaritan House distributed holiday toys and gifts to 3,300 children and teens in need in our community through our Holiday Program,” said Kitty Lopez, Samaritan House Executive Director.  “We could not have hoped to accomplish that same goal this year without the help of Target and its partnership with United Way. Thank you for helping us put smiles on the faces of those less fortunate.”

Wish lists included winter clothing, toys, household items, strollers for new families, and gifts for teens living in shelters. Target also gave families a special holiday experience- the chance to see presents waiting under their own Christmas tree through the Share a Tree program. United Way helped coordinate this program, allowing more than 20 Bay Area nonprofits to provide a tree to a struggling family. Thirty-six sparkling trees adorned with ornaments made the holidays a little brighter for Bay Area residents.

Thank you to Target and each and every store team member for your commitment to the community!