UT Health Science Center Partners with Target for Reach Out & Read-Texas

Children's literacy will benefit from a grant of $54,417 from Target to Reach Out and Read-Texas (ROR-TX) at the Children's Learning Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

"The Target monies have already been distributed to our 185 Reach Out and Read Program sites across the state in the form of book purchasing funds," said Susan Cooley King, Ph.D., director of ROR-TX and assistant professor of pediatrics at the UT Medical School at Houston. "ROR programs buy new children's books. Pediatricians give a new book at each well child visit along with the important ‘Prescription for Daily Reading.' Target is a wonderful partner, and we hope to continue this collaboration over the coming years."

This sponsorship is part of the ongoing support Target provides to local communities throughout the country. Every week Target gives more than $2 million to strengthen families and communities across the nation, with a focus on education, the arts, social services and other vital community partnerships.

"At Target, we are making a real difference every day through our sponsorship program," said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. "We're proud to partner with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work."

Additionally, Target also gives back through signature programs that are designed to inspire learning in children and families. Among the programs are:

Take Charge of Education®, a school fundraising program; Ready. Sit. Read!, a program dedicated to fostering a life-long love of reading in children; and Target Volunteers, team members and retirees who annually donate more than 315,000 hours of time to more than 7,000 community-based projects.

ROR-TX reached more than 350,000 children throughout Texas last year. It is part of a national program that trains doctors and nurses to promote childhood literacy.

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