Des Plaines students win Target shopping spree

Twelve lucky Des Plaines students will get all their back-to-school needs fulfilled thanks to a cooperative effort by Target and The Salvation Army.

Next Wednesday, the students will visit the Target store at 239 Golf Mills Center in Niles to purchase school supplies, clothing and other necessities.

Target has awarded similar shopping sprees to more than 300 students from kindergarten through 12th grade in the Chicago area. Recipients are selected by The Salvation Army.

Each child will be awarded an $81 Target gift card to purchase back-to-school supplies, and will be paired with a volunteer chaperon for the day.

Since 2009, Target has awarded The Salvation Army $1 million to cover gift cards and transportation costs. Nearly 500 Target stores will participate in the nationwide shopping spree event through Aug. 15.

Target’s goal is to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015, according to a company news release.