Armed with paint brushes, shovels and cleaning supplies, more than 90 Target employees turned in a transformative reformation that hit the bullseye at Sulphur Springs K-8 Community School and left behind a colorful legacy of hope, inspiration and renewed energy.
The Thriving Local Communities effort on June 18 was part of a partnership between Target, Tampa Metropolitan YMCA, and national nonprofit Points of Light. United Way Suncoast, serving as a Points of Light affiliate, led the project. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to restore the school garden, improve the playground, re-paint sidewalk murals, and refresh classrooms and staff offices. They also re-organized the school’s clothing and food pantry—now newly reimagined as a Wellness Hub.
“Events like this only happen with collaboration,” said Mike McCullum, chief philanthropy officer for United Way Suncoast. “Our mission is to mobilize communities to action so that all can thrive. The work that we’re doing is going to reinvigorate the students when they come back to class.”
The makeover marked more than just fresh paint and landscaping. At a neighborhood school where many families face financial hardship and food insecurity, the transformation represents hope, community investment and a message to students that they matter.
Commitment To Community Service
“This is more than just handing out a check or making a donation,” said Ron Brown, Target Group Vice President of Stores, who grew up in nearby St. Petersburg. “By showing up here, we’re giving hope. These students will know that they have a place where they belong.”
The initiative reflects Target’s broader commitment to community service. The Minneapolis-based retailer aims to donate more than 1 million service hours this year, seeking input from local stores to identify where help is needed most.
“It’s so meaningful to be working on a project near home and to be part of something bigger than yourself to show others what’s possible,” Brown added.
Dan Boutell, executive team leader for HR who lives in Palm Harbor, echoed that sentiment. “It’s a good thing to do to give back to the community,” Boutell said. “They support us. We should support them.”
For some volunteers, the day offered a glimpse into Target’s corporate culture. Reena Gill, a Florida State University student from Palm Harbor is serving as a summer intern. She hopes her internship leads to a job with the corporation.
“It’s especially important to get involved and experience the Target culture in action and meet people,” Gill said, in between planting flowers in the school’s courtyard garden.
Target’s senior vice president Amanda Vela Kraemer, oversees 507 stores throughout the Southeast, including Florida. She flew in from Dallas to attend the event and offered words of encouragement that proved prophetic.
“I guarantee everyone will feel better when they leave today,” Kraemer told the assembled volunteers as they started their day of service. Her prediction came true as teams completed project after project – seven in all.
Amplifying Good In The Neighborhood
Sulphur Springs has long served as a focal point for United Way Suncoast. We maintain neighborhood resource center across the street from the school, and we play a vital role in the Sulphur 
Springs Neighborhood of Promise. Hopefully, this latest effort will amplify the sense of belonging for residents, and build Target’s interest. Kraemer said the collaborative effort represents more than a one-day effort.
“We hope this is the start of a long-term relationship with Sulphur Springs K-8,” Kraemer said, suggesting future collaborations between Target, United Way Suncoast and the school community.
The volunteer initiative builds on United Way Suncoast’s ongoing commitment to Education, Financial Security and Community Resilience across the five-county region it serves: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties.
As volunteers packed up their supplies Wednesday afternoon, they left behind more than improved facilities. They left a tangible reminder that the community cares about Sulphur Springs K-8 students and their success.
For a school where motivation and pride can make the difference between struggle and success, this transformation offers students and staff a fresh start and renewed hope for the academic year ahead.
