Target helps hurricane-struck team members with relief centers, supplies

Target activated five Team Member Resource Centers in Asheville, Arden, Augusta, Valdosta and Lake City as Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeastern United States, giving affected team members and their families a place to get food, water, baby wipes, surge protectors, fuel, restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. About 1,000 team members and family members used the centers.

The company lined up resources before Helene made landfall, positioning thousands of pallets of relief supplies, including water, food and flashlights. It also donated $1.5 million to national disaster relief partners before the storm, then added another $3 million on Sept. 30, 2024 for response and recovery efforts. The second round of funding was distributed through Convoy of Hope, SBP, local food banks and other partners, while the earlier money went to organizations including the American Red Cross, Team Rubicon and Feeding America. Target also gave Target GiftCards to first responders and local nonprofits so they could buy supplies immediately.

Supply chain and store teams moved relief supplies before and after the storm, tech teams restored connectivity to stores and local volunteers staffed the centers and handed out food or fuel. Team members could also access virtual counseling through the company’s benefits program.

After Hurricane Ian in 2022, the company created its first Team Member Resource Centers at two Fort Myers-area stores to help local workers and their families with immediate needs, including clean water, laundry access and fuel. Target serves more than 2,000 communities.