Target partnered with Breakthrough Central Texas to provide local students with gift cards, backpacks and school supplies ahead of the new academic year.
Target and Breakthrough Central Texas helped 75 Austin students and their families prepare for the upcoming school year during a back-to-school shopping event held Monday, August 3.
Each participating student received a $100 Target gift card to shop for school essentials. Students also took home a goodie bag containing a backpack, school supplies and snacks.
The Austin event was organized as part of Target’s nationwide back-to-school initiative, which is expected to support approximately 1,700 students across 20 communities this season.
For families facing the rising cost of clothing, backpacks and classroom supplies, the event offered some practical relief before the first day of school.
Target also highlighted its recent community involvement across the Austin area. According to the company, it contributed more than $2.5 million in cash and product donations locally in 2025. That total included more than 1.2 million pounds of food donated to area food banks.
Target employees also contributed more than 6,500 volunteer hours to organizations and community programs throughout Greater Austin last year.
The shopping event was held in partnership with Breakthrough Central Texas, an Austin nonprofit that works with students who will become the first members of their families to earn a college degree.
The organization begins working with students in middle school and continues providing support through college graduation. Its programs include academic enrichment, college advising, career preparation, internships and family engagement.
By combining immediate support such as school supplies with Breakthrough’s long-term educational programs, the event was designed to help participating students begin the year with both the necessary materials and an established support system.