Target in Paso Robles donated two decorated trees this holiday season to United Way of San Luis Obispo County, as part of the Share A Tree program, a national partnership between Target and United Way Worldwide.

United Way worked with local nonprofit agencies to identify families in need; this year, two trees were delivered to families in SLO County that would have been unable to afford a tree for the holidays.

The families were nominated by two Community Impact Fund grant recipient agencies, the North County Women’s Shelter and El Camino Homeless Organization.

The value of the trees and decorations is approximately $400 retail. In addition, the employees from The Thom Group and SLO City Finance Department in San Luis Obispo sponsored gifts for the families.

To deliver the fully decorated trees, employees from Charter Communications volunteered their timeand their trucks, along with members of the United Way Youth Board.

From December 18-22, Target stores across the country celebrated the season of giving by donating 2,678 decorated holiday trees to United Way as part of the Target Share a Tree program. United Way volunteers nationwide distributed the decorated trees—worth an estimated $500,000—to families in need and partners such as shelters, community centers and childcare programs. This is the 20th consecutive year for this outstanding holiday partnership.

“A single act of kindness is an important step in any effort to improve lives and strengthen and support your community. The Target Share a Tree program does just that,” said United Way President and CEO Brian Gallagher. “For 20 years now, United Way has been proud to partner with Target to give lift to this very special program and bring holiday cheer to families everywhere.”

As further demonstration of Target’s commitment to partnering with United Way to create opportunities for a better life for all people, Target and its Team Members pledged more than $14.3 million through their 2010 United Way workplace giving campaign.

“The holiday season is about sharing with others, especially those in need,” said President of Target Community Relations and Target Foundation Laysha Ward. “With our partners at United Way, Target is honored to continue the tradition of sharing our holiday trees with families across the country.”
Trees and gifts were delivered to two North County families on Wednesday morning, December 22. For more information about United Way of SLO County, visit www.unitedwayslo.org or call (805) 541-1234.

About United Way
United Way of SLO County is an independent, nonprofit organization governed by a board of local volunteers. It is affiliated by membership with United Way Worldwide and strives to build a stronger, healthier, more compassionate community by investing in programs serving education, income and health. The United Way movement creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that prevent progress in these areas. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, visit www.unitedwayslo.org.