Target Circle Grant Provides $3,000 to Support Harford County Families Facing Economic Hardships

The Harford Community Action Agency has secured nearly $3,000 in funding through the Target Circle Community Giving Program, providing critical support for programs that address food insecurity, housing stability, mediation services, and emergency assistance for Harford County residents. The grant represents the outcome of community voting conducted between July and September through Target's customer-driven charitable initiative, where local shoppers determined funding distribution through their purchasing power.

This community-driven approach to corporate giving empowers customers to support local organizations that matter most to them through a system where customers earn votes with every qualifying purchase and direct those votes toward participating nonprofits in their local community. HCAA was selected as a featured nonprofit in the program, engaging local shoppers who rallied behind the cause during the three-month voting period. The number of votes an organization receives directly determines the size of the grant awarded through the program.

We're so grateful to everyone who voted for the Harford Community Action Agency through the Target Circle program, said HCAA CEO Pamela Craig. Every vote and every dollar raised helps us continue our work to strengthen families and build a more resilient Harford County. The funding arrives at a critical time when many community organizations face increased demand for services amid economic challenges, enabling HCAA to continue providing essential support to vulnerable populations throughout the county.

The Harford Community Action Agency serves as Harford County's designated Community Action Agency, offering services to residents experiencing financial hardships related to food, housing, energy and heating needs, and budget and family counseling. The organization strives to help residents achieve self-sufficiency through programs including the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, Homeless Prevention, Homeless Services, Community Food Pantry/Food Bank and Food Advocacy. More information about the Harford Community Action Agency and its programs is available at https://harfordcaa.org/.

This initiative demonstrates how corporate-community partnerships can effectively channel resources to organizations addressing pressing local needs. The nearly $3,000 grant reinforces the importance of community participation in corporate giving programs that directly benefit local residents in need, showing how consumer choices can translate into meaningful support for essential social services during challenging economic times.