TARGET STORES TO COLLECT BOOKS FOR NATIONAL READING PROGRAM

MINNEAPOLIS -- In conjunction with its current Wishbone promotion, Target Stores nationwide will celebrate the back-to-school season by donating thousands of books to children across the country. The "Donate a Classic Tail -- Target/Wishbone National Book Drive" is a program developed to expand children's minds and better their lives.

The program began Sunday and continues through Sept. 6. Target will have donation bins in all stores for guests to donate new and like-new books. The books will be donated to family literacy programs in Target-store markets nationwide.

This year, Target partnered with Wishbone, the lovable canine from the highly-rated PBS show "Wishbone," to promote their back-to-school promotions. Wishbone stars a Jack Russell terrier who serves as a bridge between life and literature as he embarks on exciting journeys with his human owner and friends in the fictional town of Oakdale, USA.

"As a partner in the community, we are proud to be able to provide a program that will help in the development of families," said Gail Dorn, vice president of communications and community relations for Target Stores and Dayton Hudson Corp. "Target has established a strong tradition of corporate giving and we support programs that strengthen the community."