Community education for family finances is important as money is a major source of stress in families. So my community  education piece is about the Rogue Valley Target today. (I do not receive any benefit from this.) The Target store in Medford, and probably in most locations, will take a letter on a nonprofits letterhead with a tax ID number requesting items you wish donated to the organization and who would benefit. The amounts are in increments of $25 using the letter and take up to two weeks to be approved.

With Back-To-School lists getting longer and more expensive, I think this is a good benefit for churches (and other 501 Cs) to use. Young families, single parents, grandparents raising their children, and probably others could use this kind of help from their church. Target also has other programs too with grants, using their VISA card to benefit schools, etc. If anyone knows of other major stores offering something similiar, please post a comment as well. I didn't know this until I happened to ask for a manager and they asked for their manager so it may not be well known.

Happy Back-to-School planning,

Barbara Massey LMFT

ParkPlace Counseling Center, Medford Oregon