Bull's-Eye for Education

Skeptical shoppers may raise an eyebrow at programs that claim to donate a part of purchase totals to local causes -- but here's one that pays off. Target's Take Charge of Education program recently paid out a whopping $221,844.95 to Dallas/Fort Worth-area schools. To date, Metroplex schools have received more than $3 million through this school fundraiser. The funds are given to participating schools for anything they need — technology, books, school supplies and more.

If you're as big an addict of this superstore as I am (because who can resist browsing hip designer duds while enjoying a fountain drink and getting ready to pick up the weekly groceries?), you'll want to make sure your purchases benefit local schoolkids. Designate an eligible K-12 school of your choice, and Target will donate an amount equal to one percent of your REDcardSM (Target® Visa® Credit Card and Target Credit CardSM) purchases made at Target. Target also donates 0.5 percent of Target Visa Credit Card purchases made everywhere else Visa credit cards are accepted.

I'd say those are some educational benefits that are right on target!

~ Lisa