Thomas Stone ES Receives Renovated Library

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Last modified: 11/1/2012 4:46:58 PM

News Release

Thomas Stone ES Receives Renovated Library

October 25, 2012

For Immediate Release

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Office of Communications

301-952-6001

communications@pgcps.org

MOUNT RAINIER, MD – During a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 24, Thomas S. Stone Elementary School unveiled a state-of-the-art library and food pantry, courtesy of Target and The Heart of America Foundation. The school is the 24th of 32 elementary schools nationwide to receive a new library during the 2012 Target School Library Makeover program. This is the third library makeover project to take place in Prince George’s County public schools.

“I am thrilled to see how excited our students and families are about their renovated media center and the monthly food pantry resource,” said Amber Waller, District 3 Board of Education Member. “Thanks to the efforts of our community and business partners, students are receiving additional support to help build strong minds and bodies – which will go a long way to ensuring their success in school.”

More than 160 volunteers from Target came together for the project at Thomas Stone. The library now features more than 2,000 new books, furniture, carpet, shelves, 10 iPads, two computers and a Smart Board. Each student was also presented with seven new books to take home following the unveiling celebration.

“The new library, technology and food pantry are amazing gifts for our school and our students,” said Helda Morad-Meliotis, principal of Thomas Stone Elementary School. “Thanks to Target and The Heart of America Foundation, our students have the resources they need to feel inspired and ready to learn when they walk through our school doors.”

In an effort to combat hunger and its impact on learning, the Target Meals for Mindsfood pantry will provide monthly distributions of fresh produce and staple foods to students and their families. The food pantry is made possible through a partnership with Martha’s Table.

“Since 2007, our partnership with the Target School Library Makeover program hashelped turn more than 100 dilapidated libraries into vibrant centers of learning,” said Angie Halamandaris, president and co-founder of The Heart of America Foundation.

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About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,772 stores across the United States and at Target.com. The company plans to open its first stores in Canada in 2013. In addition, the company operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary credit card products. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/hereforgood.

About The Heart of America Foundation®
The Heart of America Foundation (http://www.heartofamerica.org), is a national nonprofit headquartered in Washington, D.C. that uniquely promotes volunteer service and literacy. The organization aims to inspire acts of service and a love of reading by building community and providing children in need with the tools to read, succeed and make a difference. Committed to education and volunteerism, The Heart of America Foundation engages volunteers by putting books into the hands of children who need them the most. Since 1997, The Heart of America Foundation has provided children living in poverty

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About PGCPS: Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS), one of the nation's 25 largest school districts, has 204 schools, approximately 125,000 students and nearly 18,000 employees. With an annual budget of $1.6 billion, the district serves a diverse student population from urban, suburban and rural communities. PGCPS is nationally recognized for its innovative programs and initiatives, including the expansion of Advanced Placement courses and partnerships with businesses and institutions of higher learning.

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